Tracking Sea Turtles

Sea Turtles are amongst the most mysterious and unique creatures of the ocean. To help in learning more about these incredible animals and increase efforts in conservation, The Turtle Hospital works alongside fellow sea turtle organizations by tracking them. 

But how do you track a sea turtle? 

With the use of technology, such as satellite telemetry, orbiting satellites follow an object (in this case a sea turtle) around the earth sending a “Ping” each time the sea turtle surfaces for a breath. This creates a pattern that can be mapped into a path to track things such as: speed, distance, locations, and frequency of visited locations. 

How does the tracker stay on the sea turtle?

The device is attached to the top of the turtle’s shell with the use of a non-heat epoxy to “glue” the item into place. This does not harm or hurt their shell, as their shell is made of a thick layer of keratin. Once in place, the device is covered in a fiberglass and resin mixture to protect it from the elements, as well as the various activities the sea turtle may have while out at sea.

How long does the satellite tracker stay on?

Transmitter batteries can last between 8 months to 2 years, as each device can sometimes run into different issues while out at sea. From the turtles knocking the devices off as they rub along hard surfaces under water, to algae growth affecting sensors. 

Current Sea Turtles The Turtle Hospital is Tracking

Harlow

Arriving at The Turtle Hospital on June 27th, 2024. This adult loggerhead was found stranded, covered in barnacles from head to flipper, floating at the surface in dire need of help. A wonderful family out enjoying a day of fishing jumped into action, calling The Turtle Hospital for help and stayed by her side till our rescue and rehab team arrived on scene. With the help of local Coast Guard members, Harlow was transported to our facility. After almost 7 months of care this beautiful gal was released back to her ocean home on December 21st. 2024. With a crowd of adoring supporters and Turtle Hospital team members, Harlow had quite the farewell. As she journeys back out to sea for new adventures, she has been outfitted with a satellite tracker. With the help of the Sea Turtle Conservancy, this data will be used to help in research efforts for more sea turtles just like Harlow. 

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Tour de Turtles

2024 Season

About the Program

Founded in 2008 by the Sea Turtle Conservancy, The Tour de Turtles is a fun educational journey through the science, research and geography of sea turtle migration using satellite telemetry. With the help of sponsors and organizational partners, this event follows the migration of sea turtles, representing four different species and their journey from nesting beaches to their favorite foraging grounds.

Our Champion

Roseleigh, a juvenile green sea turtle was rescued off Islamorada March 20th where she was found floating, unable to dive with a heavy load of Fibropapillomatosis (FP) tumors and entangled in fishing line. Roseleigh has beaten the odds with an outstanding transformation, she has made a full recovery,

Roseleigh’s treatment at The Turtle Hospital included disentanglement, wound care, tumor removal surgeries, broad spectrum antibiotics, fluids, vitamins, and a healthy diet of greens and mixed seafood.

Click here to view Roseleigh’s patient page

Preparing for the race

Roseleigh, like any athlete, has been practicing her swimming ready to get back out into the ocean. She will be fitted with a small satellite transmitter tag to the back of her shell with water resistant and turtle safe marine epoxy to secure the device.

Ready.. Set.. Go!

On August 2nd on Sombrero Beach, in the heart of the Florida Keys we celebrated the release of our champion sea turtle Roseleigh as she begins her next adventure out to sea tumor free. Guests from far and wide lined the beach to cheer Roseleigh on, along with her rescuers to wish her one last goodbye. Thank you to the Sea Turtle Conservancy for hosting this race and further spreading awareness to the conservation of sea turtles.

How to stay up to date

We will follow Roseleigh’s journey and post both on our Facebook and Instagram with updates. You can also follow her journey online at Roseleigh’s Adventure

To learn more about the Tour de Turtles and the latest of the race results click the link to view the page The Sea Conservancy: Tour de Turtles