Cold-stunning

Cold-stunning, also known as hypothermic stunning, is a hypothermic reaction experienced by marine reptiles, notably sea turtles, when exposed to cold water for prolonged periods, which causes them to become weak and inactive.

Cold-stunned sea turtles may float to the surface and be further exposed to cold temperatures, which can cause them to drown.

After cold-stunning has taken place, there is only a very short period of time when sea turtles can be safely rescued.

[4] One study indicates that ocean warming has led to an increase in cold-stunning events in the northwest Atlantic.

[5] In 2016, 1,700 turtles were cold-stunned in North Carolina, following "an unusually temperate fall and early winter".