Cold-stunned sea turtle rescued from bay in beach haven

Cold-stunned sea turtle rescued from bay in Beach Haven

Posted by
1 min read
December 1, 2025

BEACH HAVEN, NJ – A green sea turtle found floating motionless near Queen City Marina was rescued Saturday afternoon after being spotted in the chilly bay waters, according to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.

Responders from the Brigantine-based organization said the turtle was extremely lethargic when located, a condition often caused by cold-stunning as water temperatures drop below 55 degrees.

With the help of a volunteer from Sea Turtle Recovery, the animal was safely brought to shore and stabilized by an MMSC stranding technician before being transported north for specialized care.

The sea turtle was transferred along the Garden State Parkway to a Sea Turtle Recovery staff member for continued medical treatment.

Experts warn of cold danger to marine reptiles

Officials said late fall and early winter are among the most dangerous times of year for sea turtles remaining in Mid-Atlantic waters. As temperatures fall, the reptiles’ metabolism slows dramatically, leaving them immobile and often mistaken for dead.

MMSC staff are urging the public to stay alert for stranded or floating sea turtles and to report any sightings immediately rather than attempting rescues on their own.

Rescue groups issue reminder to boaters and residents

Anyone who spots a sea turtle in distress is asked to call the Marine Mammal Stranding Center’s 24-hour hotline at 609-266-0538 or Sea Turtle Recovery at 609-667-4076.

Officials emphasized that people should never try to warm a cold-stunned turtle themselves, as sudden temperature changes can send the animal into shock.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.

Facebook

Don't Miss