31 cold stunned Kemp's Ridley sea turtles from New England released back to the ocean at Fort Fisher
Rare sea turtles, including the endangered Kemp's ridley and loggerhead species, are migrating from the colder waters of New England to the warmer coastal areas of North Carolina as winter approaches. This annual migration is crucial for their survival, as the warmer waters provide a more suitable environment for the turtles during the colder months. Conservationists and researchers are closely monitoring these migrations to better understand the turtles' behavior and to implement effective conservation strategies to protect these vulnerable species. The presence of these sea turtles in North Carolina's waters also highlights the importance of preserving coastal habitats and reducing threats such as boat strikes and fishing gear entanglements.