(22:29) MONTEREY BAY – This year, the sea turtles that migrate across the Pacific Ocean (to feed on jellyfish here), are likely to show up earlier than usual. Although the Leatherback Sea Turtles usually spend the summer months of June and July (and sometimes August) along the coast of California, Oregon, and Washington……..they may be getting to the Monterey Bay Area in May. The earlier-than-usual arrival is believed to be in part because of the warmer waters that are associated with El Nino storms. Unfortunately, the warmer water also means less food for the long-distance travelers (that have already been spotted off the coast of Southern California)….and plastic bags in the ocean often look like jellyfish to the 6-foot long, 15-hundred pound, species of marine reptile. The shortage of jellies in the Monterey Bay, will probably mean an early departure (from this area) for the endangered Leatherback Sea Turtles this year.
