The encounter with the olive ridley turtle was significant not just due to its rarity but also because it indicates unusual environmental conditions, prompting researchers to assess turtle movements toward cooler waters.
Monterey Bay Whale Watch noted seeing numerous marine species, including 14 humpback whales and 75 Risso's dolphins, highlighting the vibrant ecosystem of the region despite the rarity of the turtle sighting.
As olive ridley turtles are typically found in warmer waters, the sighting in Monterey, where they haven’t been seen since 2013, invites questions about climate impacts on their migration patterns.
The olive ridley turtle's presence in Monterey Bay, coupled with its absence since 2013, raises concerns over the changing ocean conditions that could force these turtles northward into less hospitable habitats.
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