Summary of sea turtle strandings, incidental captures and related survey effort in Mississippi during 2017

Kemp’s ridley, loggerhead and green sea turtles are the primary species found along the Mississippi coast. Sea turtles that are killed or injured in the marine environment often wash ashore on nearby beaches or remain floating in open waters for a period of time. These turtles, dead or alive, are referred to as strandings. Peak stranding months in Mississippi are March to June, with 79% of strandings occurring during these months. Incidental captures typically peak shortly thereafter, with the majority (78%) occurring May to August (Figure 1). Juvenile Kemp's ridley turtles comprise the largest proportion of all sea turtle strandings and incidental captures along the Mississippi coast with lesser numbers of loggerhead and green sea turtles. Mississippi documents the occasional leatherback stranding and has had no reports of hawksbill strandings. The Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network (STSSN) monitors and investigates all strandings and incidental captures that are reported by the public and member participants.