Four sea turtles have been spotted along Sweden's west coast this year, despite the species typically inhabiting the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The first sightings occurred in May off Tjörn, followed by more in the autumn. Marine biologists link this to warmer sea temperatures.
Sea turtles are rare in Swedish waters, but in 2025, four individuals of the loggerhead sea turtle species have been sighted along the west coast. The first observation occurred in May off Tjörn. During the autumn, three more were reported: one alive in Fiskebäckskil in October and two dead specimens in December, one outside Varberg and one outside Strömstad.
Marine biologist Marcus Stenegren comments to DN that there have been a few reports since 2022, but prior to that, it had been about 100 years since sea turtles were seen in Swedish waters. 'There have been some reports since 2022. But before that, as far as I know, it was 100 years since a sea turtle was seen in Swedish waters,' he says.
According to Stenegren, the turtles likely swam to Sweden aided by ocean currents and storms. He points to temperature changes as a possible cause, as the species cannot tolerate temperatures below ten degrees. 'This autumn, the water temperature in the Västerhavet has been above 10 degrees right into December. That's very unusual,' he explains. DN reports that this could represent an 'explosion' of sightings linked to climate change and warmer waters.
