www.sciencedaily.com
Sargassum seaweed inundations are making sea turtle hatchling journeys to the ocean significantly harder. The thick mats slow their movement, prolonging their exposure to predators, dehydration, and heat stress. Research indicates that while the turtles expend considerable effort navigating the seaweed, their energy reserves remain largely unaffected. This suggests the primary threat isn’t energy depletion, but rather the increased vulnerability and prolonged exposure to dangers stemming from the extended crawl time. The delayed journey drastically reduces their chances of reaching the safety of the sea.
