Marine Turtles in Welsh Waters

Two species of hard shell marine turtle, Loggerhead and Kemp’s Ridley, have been recorded from time to time in Welsh waters. However these are out of their normal range and have been suffering from hypothermia (cold stunned) and in need of rehabilitation.

Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta)

Hardshell species should not be returned to the sea, contact the RSPCA or Marine Environmental Monitoring. (see below)

Leatherback turtles however are able to withstand cold temperatures and have been recorded around the British Isles since records began. They are considered to be a part of our native fauna.

They come north from their equatorial breeding grounds to feed on jellyfish blooms in Carmarthen Bay and Tremadog Bay and may be seen, generally by fishermen, from late July onwards.

Live stranded turtles should be reported immediately to the RSPCA 08705 555999.

Sightings and strandings of live or dead turtles should be reported to Marine Environmental Monitoring 01348 875000 or on line at www.strandings.com/Turtlepage.html where other useful information can also be found.