Hypothermic stunning of green sea turtles in a western Gulf of Mexico foraging habitat

摘要: Texas waters provide one of the most important developmental and foraging habitats for juvenile green turtles (Chelonia mydas) in western Gulf Mexico, but hypothermic stunning is a significant threat was largest cause turtle strandings from 1980 through 2015; 8,107 found stranded, 4,529 (55.9%) were victims stunning. Additionally, during this time, 203 stunned incidentally captured due to power plant water intake entrapment. Overall, 63.9% alive, 92.0% those survived rehabilitation released. Numbers recorded as stranded affected by increased over numerous 2007 2015. Large events (with more than 450 documented) occurred winters 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2013-2014, 2014-2015. Hypothermic documented between November March, peaked at various times depending on passage severe weather systems. state-wide, prevalent South Texas, particularly Laguna Madre. In Madre, associated with an abrupt drop temperatures strong northerly winds, threshold mean temperature 8.0°C predicted large events. Knowledge environmental parameters contributing temporal spatial distribution past, can aid formulation proactive, targeted search rescue efforts that ultimately save lives many individuals, recovery bi-national stock. Such are required under U.S. Endangered Species Act respond humanitarian concerns public.