How are sea turtles tracked in the ocean and how long can they be tracked for?
Researchers track sea turtles through a process called satellite telemetry. A transmitter (small computer) is attached to the turtles carapace (on hard shelled species) or is worn as a backpack (fastened around) a Leatherback. The transmitter emits signals of information to an orbiting satellite when the turtle surfaces to breathe or bask. The information in the signals is de-coded prior to being forwarded to receiving stations on Earth, and then it is sent to the researchers computer as a dataset. This data provides information on the turtles location, number of dives during the last day, length of the most recent dive, water temperature, etc. Data received over a period allows for tracking a turtles movement patterns and swimming speed. Usually, satellite transmitters are attached to gravid (egg bearing) females that come ashore to nest. Tracking has provided important information on migration routes between breeding and foraging (feeding) habitats.
Researchers track sea turtles through a process called satellite telemetry. A transmitter (small computer) is attached to the turtles carapace (on hard shelled species) or is worn as a backpack (fastened around) a Leatherback. The transmitter emits signals of information to an orbiting satellite when the turtle surfaces to breathe or bask. The information in the signals is de-coded prior to being forwarded to receiving stations on Earth, and then it is sent to the researchers computer as a dataset. This data provides information on the turtles location, number of dives during the last day, length of the most recent dive, water temperature, etc. Data received over a period allows for tracking a turtles movement patterns and swimming speed. Usually, satellite transmitters are attached to gravid (egg bearing) females that come ashore to nest. Tracking has provided important information on migration routes between breeding and foraging (feeding) habitats. Length of tracking depends upon ho
