There was a recent cold front that moved through South Texas, with temperatures quickly dropping to as low as 35 degrees F, and even a little snowfall. Water temperatures in the narrow body of water sheltered between South Padre Island and mainland Texas, Laguna Madre dropped from 73 to 55 in the matter of a few days. Such a drastic change in temperature had a significant effect on the area’s favorite ectotherms- sea turtles; specifically Atlantic green sea turtles.
Most species of sea turtles are ectothermic*, so when the water temperature drops they’re unable to swim, and as a result, they float at the surface with their flippers tucked close to their carapace and occasionally strand on the beach. They become vulnerable to boat strikes, easy targets for predators and if the conditions persist, they can perish due to exposure. *The one exception is the incredible leatherback sea turtle, which has special and unique adaptations allowing it to somewhat regulate body temperature.
Over the next few days, beachcombers, boaters and volunteers kept a keen eye on the water and coastline for sea turtles in distress. About 70 Atlantic green sea turtles were recovered and taken to Sea Turtle Inc, the local sea turtle rehabilitation hospital. For the next few days they were sheltered, treated for medical conditions and scheduled to be released about a week later, when the weather improved.
On December 13th, Sea Turtle Inc invited the general public to the release of approximately 60 sea turtles to take place at Isla Blanca Park on South Padre Island.
There were so many people at the release! It was exciting to see so many people interested in sea turtles, especially given that it was scheduled for mid-day on a Wednesday. Turtles arrived by the truckload and were carried by volunteers to the water and sent on their way. Volunteers took their time to let spectators get a good look at the turtles- some of which had several fibropapilloma tumors or barnacles attached.
After the release, we walked the beach and the jetties and stopped to observe wildlife in Brazos Santiago Pass. I was delighted to see dolphins feeding, and a few sea turtles bobbing around. Unfortunately, something else caught my attention as we watched wildlife and boats pass– a blue mylar balloon floating into Laguna Madre. Among conservationists, there’s a mantra to remind us of the dangers balloons pose to the environment… “balloons blow!”
Balloons are often released as a form of celebration, remembrance, or even as a science project where kids write their contact information and ask finders to notify them of where and when their balloon was recovered. Well-intentioned, but these actions are inadvertently polluting the environment. The balloons themselves are often ingested by marine life, and the ribbons pose an entanglement hazard.
Unfortunately, this balloon was quite far out in a busy shipping channel and I wasn’t able to recover it. Whenever possible, it’s important to pick up balloons and other beach debris that can be ingested or otherwise harm marine life.
What are some ways (other than releasing balloons) that you can think of to replace balloon releases in ceremonies or science projects? I’m sure we can think of some creative ideas- leave them in the comments.
blowing bubbles
planting flowers, trees or vegetables