Sea Turtle Health Studies
As marine reptiles, sea turtles are sensitive to changing ocean temperature. Threats like cold-stunning (when sea turtles become hypothermic in cold waters), are poorly understood in the context of climate change and its impact on our oceans. Upwell’s veterinary team uses a One Health framework to explore issues that connect human, animal, and environmental health. Our Sea Turtle Health Program applies this framework to uncover, investigate and address new threats turtles face at sea that are related to changing climatic and oceanic conditions.
Learn more about our investigation of health threats to sea turtles, including exposure to biotoxins, emerging diseases, human interactions, and environmental changes:
The Seattle Aquarium presented Upwell Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Heather Harris with their 2025 Conservation Research Award for her conservation work and innovative research protecting sea turtles. Since 2004, this award has honored individuals who are leaders and innovators in marine conservation research by recognizing them for their dedication to advancing our knowledge of ocean and coastal health, as well as inspiring others to become ocean advocates and the next generation of conservation researchers.
Upwell collaborated with partners at The Marine Mammal Center and The Aquarium of the Pacific to track a rehabilitated green sea turtle named “Chairlift” with a micro-satellite tag. Read about Chairlift’s rescue, rehabilitation, and surprising journey after release in our blog.
With partner organizations, Upwell’s Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Heather Harris recently led a necropsy session at the Marine Mammal Center to learn more about the underlying health issue of cold stunned sea turtles stranded on the Pacific Coast.
Evaluating sea turtle health off the coast of Central California can tell us about environmental factors that pose threats not only to sea turtles but to the broader marine community.
Upwell collaborated with the Digital Life Project and The Loggerhead Marinelife Center to make an accurate 3D model of a leatherback sea turtle. Watch our video to learn more!
See how Upwell Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Heather Harris and numerous collaborators in the NOAA West Coast Stranding Network are working together to figure out how we can better care for cold-stunned sea turtles in our waters.
How do you weigh an adult leatherback sea turtle often likened to the size of a Volkswagen Bug?! Upwell’s Wildlife Veterinarian, Dr. Heather Harris, shares her innovative approach to measure the health of leatherback sea turtles during her recent field study in Florida.