Leatherback turtles swimming near the shores of the Vineyard are especially vulnerable to vessel strikes, according to new research categorizing the Cape and Islands as a lethal hotspot for the species.
A dead leatherback turtle washed ashore on Red Beach in Aquinnah on Saturday, the first sea turtle stranding across the Cape and Islands in 2025.
The turtle, discovered by a Chappaquiddick homeowner on Sept. 26, was heavily decomposed, but could have died by a ship strike.
The decomposing carcass of a leatherback sea turtle with severe gashes indicative of a vessel strike was found washed up on Fuller street beach in Edgartown earlier this week.
A dead leatherback sea turtle with a severe vessel strike was found washed up on the eastern corner of West Chop Monday, experts at Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary confirmed.
Sea turtle specialists have documented a high number of leatherback turtle boat strikes this summer, including at least one off the Vineyard.