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Rescued Endangered Sea Turtle Released Back into Atlantic Ocean with Support from New York State's Environmental Protection Fund

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton joined the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, elected officials, and environmental leaders to release a rehabilitated Kemp's ridley sea turtle back into the Atlantic Ocean outside the New York Aquarium. The event celebrated the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), which helps protect and restore the health of the state's ocean and coasts. The endangered juvenile sea turtle, named Elton, was released into the Atlantic Ocean after months of specialized care by the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society following his stranding in December 2024. Kemp's ridley sea turtles are among the most endangered sea turtle species on the planet.

Key Takeaways:

  • The New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) plays a vital role in protecting New York's coastal ecosystems and marine wildlife, with its Ocean and Great Lakes Program line being the state's main source of funding for science and projects that protect and restore the ocean and coasts.
  • Demand for EPF programs has long outpaced available funds, resulting in many EPF programs having years-long waiting lists or backlogs for funding.
  • The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society's rehabilitation program, helped by funding from the EPF, has successfully released Elton, a 2- to 5-year-old Kemp's ridley sea turtle, back into the Atlantic Ocean after months of care following his stranding in December 2024.
  • Elton's release highlights the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts, with dedicated citizens monitoring the coastline for animals in need and the community supporting marine conservation.
  • The event showed the collaborative efforts of various organizations, including the Wildlife Conservation Society, the New York Aquarium, and the Natural Resources Defense Council, working together to protect endangered marine species like Elton.
  • NYS DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, AMSEAS Founder/Chief Scientist Robert A. DiGiovanni, Jr., and other speakers emphasized the need for continued support for marine conservation and the benefits of the EPF in protecting New York's ocean and coasts.

Statistics:

  • Over 10,000 people attend marine life events sponsored by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation each year.
  • The Ocean and Great Lakes Program line of the NY State EPF has a $20 million budget for the next fiscal year, focusing on science and projects protecting New York's ocean and coasts.
  • Over 50% of New Yorkers report a personal connection to the ocean or marine life.
  • New York's ocean and coasts support a $7 billion marine economy.
  • More than 1,500 species of fish and shellfish can be found in New York's waters.

Sources:

  • Newsroom WCS, "DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton Helps Release Rescued Endangered Sea Turtle Back into Atlantic Ocean at Coney Island" (August 6, 2025)
  • WCS, "The Wildlife Conservation Society" (2025)
  • Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, "About Us" (2025)
  • Natural Resources Defense Council, "Ocean Life" (2025)
  • Citizens Campaign for the Environment, "Marine Conservation" (2025)

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