13 sea turtles have stranded on New York shores this year. Yesterday’s leatherback sea turtle that washed up in Fort Salonga was the 9th to have been found with evidence of a vessel strike. Please be aware when on the water that these animals are sharing our seas! If you do spot a sea turtle swimming, please give it space.
Read more on Atlantic Marine Conservation Society’s sea turtle responses in the Newsday article on their Facebook page. A special thank you to the Smithtown Department of Public Safety and the Smithtown Animal Shelter for their support in yesterday’s response efforts!
If you see an injured or deceased marine mammal or sea turtle, please call the NYS Stranding Hotline immediately at (631)369-9829.