Sea turtles are basking less

A global trend is starting to rise and it correlates to the warming ocean temperatures. Sea turtles are not basking as much as they use to. Basking is used as a way of regulating body temperature and their immune system. The important of basking is not entirely understood and more research is needed to be able to make any firm accusations. Sea turtles have been observed basking more during the years that as not as hot. Over the last 25 years, as the sea has been warming, sea turtles have been not basking as much. It is projected that by the 2102, sea turtles will stop basking all together at our current rate. It is possible that they stop basking by 2039 in the Hawaii islands. The impact of this is not yet known, but if temperatures rise to high, it could be bad for the sea turtles and sea life in general. More info about this story could be found here.

Credit: Image courtesy of Duke University