Tracking sea turtle migrations supports science and education

From a news release issued by the Caribbean Conservation Corporation:

On August 1st, Caribbean Conservation Corporation (CCC) will launch the annual Tour de Turtles: A Sea Turtle Migration Marathon. For at least three months, Tour de Turtles will follow eleven individual sea turtles, using satellite-tracking technology, as they travel from their nesting beaches to unknown feeding grounds with the goal of being the first turtle to reach the 2,620 km distance.

With as few as one out of 1,000 hatchlings surviving to adulthood, sea turtle conservation must focus on combating human-caused threats through research and education. By tracking sea turtle migrations using satellites, scientists can learn more about these mysterious mariners and the best ways to ensure their protection. This knowledge helps researchers, conservationists and governing agencies make more informed decisions about sea turtle conservation methods and policies.

Similar to human marathons, each turtle will swim to raise awareness for a particular “cause” or threat to their survival. Utilizing interactive online maps, videos and games, Tour de Turtles will focus on the biology and conservation of sea turtles and their habitats.

A dedicated web page for each racer will be available for people to read their biographies, learn about their causes and hear periodic interviews with the marathon participants. Each turtle's distance will be monitored on a regularly-updated Leader Board that will track the turtles' progress.

In addition to watching the marathon unfold, the public can support an issue facing sea turtles by sponsoring Tour de Turtles competitors through online adoptions. This secondary competition, known as the Causes Challenge, is designed to see which turtle can generate the most support and awareness for their cause.

Tour de Turtles includes activities that the public and educators can use to learn more about sea turtle conservation. Educational materials, quizzes and lesson plans are provided specifically designed to help teachers incorporate environmental education into classroom activities. All of these online resources are free to access.

Tour de Turtles offers everyone an opportunity to get involved. By cheering on these courageous swimmers, the public can ensure that their voices are heard. To get a sneak peak, visit www.tourdeturtles.org on July 31st starting at 8:30 a.m. to see a live webcast of a satellite-transmitter attachment and sea turtle release. And don't forget, saving sea turtles is a marathon, not a sprint!