Event highlights the ocean health benefits of the New York State Environmental Protection Fund Video HERE Photos HERE Elton Fact Sheet
Coney Island, NY, Aug. 6, 2025—New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton joined the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS), 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) that 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 AMSEAS following his stranding in December 2024. Kemp’s ridley sea turtles are among the most endangered sea turtle species on the planet. Elton was found cold-stunned (hypothermic) on a beach in Barnstable, Massachusetts and transported to AMSEAS for rehabilitation. Cold-stunning can occur when sea turtles fail to migrate south before ocean temperatures drop too low.
Elton (estimated to be 2 to 5 years of age), was placed on the beach near the water and quickly swam back into the ocean. Campers and high school youth leaders from the New York Aquarium took part in the experience—many seeing a sea turtle up close for the first time—and heard firsthand about the AMSEAS rehabilitation program.
Lefton joined the release effort, along with representatives from AMSEAS, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, the New York Aquarium and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). The speakers highlighted the importance of the NY State EPF and the benefits from its Ocean and Great Lakes Program funding line. The Ocean and Great Lakes Program line is the state’s main source of funding for science and projects that protect and restore the ocean and coasts that New Yorkers rely on for food, jobs, and recreation. Demand for EPF programs has long outpaced available funds, and many EPF programs have years-long waiting lists or backlogs for funding.
“This event highlights not only the remarkable recovery of one of the world’s most endangered sea turtles, but also the vital role that the Environmental Protection Fund plays in protecting our coastal ecosystems and marine wildlife,” said New York State DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Every action we take to restore ocean health is a step toward building a stronger, more resilient future for New Yorkers and the natural resources we depend on.”
Robert A. DiGiovanni, Jr., Founder/ Chief Scientist, Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS), said, “This release is made possible by our partners and the community, starting with dedicated citizens monitoring the coastline for animals in need. AMSEAS team has promoted marine conservation for over three decades, working with our NYS DEC partners and environmental non-profits to advocate for marine mammals and sea turtles long before sightings became common. As whale, dolphin, seal and sea turtle strandings increase, and new ocean uses emerge, support from the EPF is critical to engaging communities in conservation efforts, saving endangered sea turtles like Elton.”
Leigh Ann Clayton, Director of the New York Aquarium, said: “Elton’s return to the ocean is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when science, compassionate care, and public support come together. This turtle’s journey—from cold-stunned and vulnerable to swimming in the ocean again—embodies the mission we carry every day at the New York Aquarium and across WCS. We are proud to work alongside our partners and grateful for the Environmental Protection Fund, which helps ensure that New York’s marine wildlife and habitats are protected for generations to come.”
John F. Calvelli, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs for the Wildlife Conservation Society said, “This turtle’s release back into the wild is a celebration of its recovery and of the state funding that makes this critical conservation work possible. New York’s ocean waters are an ecological treasure trove, home to an extraordinary diversity of species—from endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles like Elton, to globally significant populations of whales, sharks, and rays. Every New Yorker should take pride in the rich ocean wildlife that thrives just off our shores.”
NYS Senator Jose Serrano said, “The New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) is a vital source of funding for projects that protect the environment and engage the community in conservation efforts. Elton the sea turtle’s rescue, rehabilitation, and release reflects how critical the EPF is in helping to protect and restore New York’s treasured bodies of water to build a more climate resilient state. Many thanks to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton, the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, Wildlife Conservation Society, conservationist advocacy groups, and environmental leaders for their efforts in saving endangered sea animals like Elton.”
NYS Assemblymember Ron Kim, Chair of the Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts, and Sports Development, said: “I congratulate the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, the Wildlife Conservation Society and their local partners on this rare and special achievement. Their successful rehabilitation and release of a member of one of the world’s most critically endangered animals is a testament to the dedication and resourcefulness of New York’s conservation movement. It affirms our continuing commitment to protecting our natural lands, including its flora and fauna, in the face of climate change and other forms of habitat destruction.”
Said NYS Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, “Elton’s release back into the ocean highlights the incredible work of New York State in protecting endangered species and maintaining our wildlife and natural environment. I am grateful for the critical conservation work happening in New York — these efforts are all part of building a healthier, more resilient future for all to enjoy.”
Said NYS Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny, “The successful rehabilitation and release of an endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle—the rarest and most endangered species of sea turtle in the world—is a remarkable achievement. This moment serves not only as a symbol of hope for endangered marine life, but also as a testament to the dedicated efforts of marine conservationists and the long-term investments made possible through New York’s Environmental Protection Fund.”
“I was proud to join my colleague, Assemblyman Alex Brook-Krasny, for the Endangered Sea Turtle Release at the New York Aquarium. Rehabilitating such a fragile life is truly priceless, and I am grateful to see so many dedicated individuals doing God’s work to build a lasting legacy for future generations,” said NYS Assemblywoman Jaime Williams. “This event reminds us that protecting our environment is a shared responsibility. Every act of conservation, no matter how small, helps ensure that the natural beauty and biodiversity of our state can be enjoyed for years to come.”
Rebecca Loomis, Project Attorney at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), said: “Our ocean supports New York’s multi-billion-dollar marine economy, thousands of jobs, and outdoor recreation. New Yorkers need a strong Environmental Protection Fund to help protect marine habitats and aquatic species. Ocean life is stressed by warmer, more acidic waters; and decades of habitat loss and pollution. As we celebrate Elton’s return to the wild today, we are also celebrating the Environmental Protection Fund that makes it possible to keep our ocean healthy."
“We are exceptionally fortunate to have an abundant diverse group of marine species —sea turtles, seals, dolphins, and large whales directly off the coast of New York,” stated Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “This is why New York is a leader in investing in the health of our oceans, estuaries, and Great Lakes. Funding through the Environmental Protection Fund for whale monitoring, sea turtle research and rehabilitation, and water quality improvements helps us protect these magnificent water bodies and all the beautiful species that live there. Elton is a visible symbol that restoration efforts are working. Our ocean faces new challenges, but even saving one sea turtle at a time we can make a difference.”
Christine Santora, Assistant Director of the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science at Stony Brook University said: “Many New Yorkers aren't aware that an incredible number of species live and migrate through our state's waters. Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (SoMAS) is a leader in studying New York's ocean environment, and the Environmental Protection Fund is an essential source of support. Research, monitoring, and rehabilitation of key species are important components in conserving New York's resources, and Elton's successful release reminds us of the EPF's important role.”
Learn more about the EPF HERE. Learn more about the Ocean and Great Lakes Program HERE.
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Learn More About Organizations Sponsoring the Event:
Atlantic Marine Conservation Society Citizens Campaign for the Environment Natural Resources Defense Council New York Aquarium
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