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by Emma Hickerson
Part 1: Background
 The loggerhead sea turtle is a threatened species frequently sighted
in the region of the Flower Garden Banks
National Marine Sanctuary.
A fair amount is known about female loggerhead sea turtles
that are nesting, but little information exists on seasonal behaviors and
daily foraging and movement cycles of juveniles, subadults and adult males,
which comprise the majority of the sea turtle population.
Our efforts to protect this species are constrained by
the limited amount of reliable data about the sea turtles. Protection requires
additional data about the turtles' habitat availability, use, and preference. |
| Loggerheads are captured in the sanctuary by divers, who direct
the sea turtle into a handheld net, carry them to the surface, and lift
them onto a vessel with a mechanical winch. Once on board, measurements
are taken, flipper tags are attached, and identifying microchips are inserted
into the right shoulder muscle. A blood sample is obtained from the large
sinus cavity located on the neck of the animal. |
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Satellite and radio transmitters are attached to the shell
(carapace) with fiberglassing materials. Information is downloaded remotely
from the satellite transmitter every 4 days. The satellite transmitter gives
us information such as number of dives, depth, and temperature.
Radio tracking is conducted from ships while we are at
the Flower Gardens with an antenna and radio receiver. Information obtained
from radio tracking includes: presence/absence (whether the animal is in
the area), and surface/ submergence ratios (how long the animal dives for,
and how long it is on the surface during a breathing cycle). |
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Next: A turtle named
Triton |
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