The Vineyard Gazette’s off-season discussion series Tuesdays in the Newsroom returns on Tuesday, Oct. 23, with a presentation about current threats facing the sea turtle population.

Marine biologist Karen Dourdeville will talk about the types of sea turtles found in the waters around Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard and what is being done to protect them. Ms. Dourdeville is a research associate with the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary of Mass Audubon, which is working to raise awareness of the threats faced by sea turtles and, assisted by a corps of volunteers, to rescue those in trouble.

The sea turtles in our area range from the small, critically endangered Kemp’s Ridley to the impressive leatherback, which can weigh up to 1,500 pounds. But sea turtles are vulnerable to a variety of marine hazards, including boat strikes, fishing gear entanglements and ingestion of plastics.

Doors open at 5:15 p.m. for a brief reception followed by the program, which begins at 5:30 p.m.

Gazette subscribers are free; nonsubscribers pay $10 at the door. Space is limited; register online at newsroom.bpt.me.