A Kemp's ridley sea turtle, one of the world's smallest and most endangered species, was discovered on the shores of Quebec's Magdalen Islands, marking a first for the province.
This finding has raised concerns among veterinarians and conservationists about the potential northward migration of this species due to climate change.
Veterinarian Jean-Simon Richard, who often assists with beached marine animals, received a call about the turtle found on Grosse-Île beach. Despite efforts to revive it, the turtle succumbed to hypothermia, likely a result of warming water temperatures.
The turtle's remains will be sent for a necropsy, and its skeleton will be displayed in a local museum.
In addition to the turtle, a bottlenose dolphin was found in the same region earlier this year, indicating a trend of tropical species appearing in northern waters.
Kathleen Martin, executive director of the Canadian Sea Turtle Network, emphasized the significance of this discovery, noting that Kemp's ridley turtles usually migrate from the Gulf of Mexico and have never been recorded in the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
As climate change continues to affect marine ecosystems, experts predict that more endangered species may be found in Canadian waters, underscoring the need for increased conservation efforts.