Tracking Rehabilitated Turtles

GPS tracking technology is evolving at a rapid pace and making scientific discovery easier than it’s ever been before. One practical way it’s being used today is in the tracking of rehabilitated sea turtles.

This method is currently used in Australia, in the U.S. at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, as well as in European countries to track the movements of turtles that have been treated, rehabilitated, and then released back into the ocean.

Thanks to the efforts of young advocate, Isabel Dow, in Australia, a sea turtle named Gemma who had been admitted to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital due to floating syndrome in September of 2013 was fitted with GPS trackers to help researchers understand her behaviors and motivations a little better.

Floating syndrome is a condition that prevents turtles from diving. When turtles can’t dive the ocean becomes a lonely and lethal environment for turtles who can no longer dive in order to feed, navigate via currents, or avoid predatory animals.

Gemma’s road to recovery was a long one as sea turtles often need an extensive amount of time in order to recover from conditions like floating syndrome.

Through various fundraising efforts, Isabel was able to raise the $4000 necessary to purchase the GPS tracking device that will now monitor the movements of the turtle.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., facilities like Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, located in Boca Raton, FL, is currently tracking two loggerhead turtles who were released back into the wild recently. One is named Phoenix and has been transmitting tracking information for 115 days now. The other is Billy, who has logged 11 days of being tracked thus far.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center has worked tireless to treat sick and injured sea turtles for over 20 years. In 2010, they opened their first Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility (STRF) where they have since treated more than 375 sea turtles with various conditions.

The GPS tracking services allow a unique glimpse into the habits and practices of sea turtles. From the results seen thus far, it’s amazing how far the sea turtles travel in a relatively short span of time. This facility does allow visitors, for a suggested donation, and the proceeds go to help with the costs of treating and caring for the sick turtles.

People who are interested in learning more about sea turtles now have the opportunity to do so whether they are located on the water, or hundreds of miles from the nearest shore. GPS tracking devices have made it possible, not to mention easy, for anyone interested to follow along from home.

SeaTurtle.org offers the opportunity for people at home to explore the world of sea turtles, including the paths they take around the world. Visit the site to learn more about how GPS makes all that possible.

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