Satellite tags were deployed on kemps ridley and loggerhead turtles to assess dive behavior to improve estimates of abundance in aerial surveys

Sea turtles captured in various fishing gear (pound nets, long haul seines, gill nets) were outfitted with satellite transmitters so that their movements, migratory pathways and foraging behavior could be tracked. Despite their greater expense, satellite transmitters enable the researcher to determine long-range movements of sea turtles in comparison to acoustic and radio transmitters which delineate fine scale movements and habitat preferences. Furthermore, satellite transmitters have the capability of measuring and recording water temperature along with dive depth and duration of each tagged sea turtle. Finally, time spent on the surface can be measured and recorded.

The objectives of this project are to use novel satellite tracking methods to provide improved estimation of threats at foraging areas and along migration routes for oceanic stage sea turtles in the Northeast Distant Region of the Atlantic Ocean (NED) and to characterize the in-water habitats used by small, oceanic stage loggerheads (Caretta caretta) so that we better understand the features that likely define their nursery habitats and the potential risks and hazards to the smallest life stages of sea turtle. To accomplish these objectives, our strategy included collaborating with cooperative fishermen in the NED to capture and satellite tag small (30 cm length) loggerhead sea turtles. Using novel satellite telemetry techniques, we were to identify the fine-scale habitat selection, movements, and dispersal of small oceanic loggerheads in the NED.

Tag release and recapture data on sea turtles in the Western North Atlantic. Currently, this database is administered by the University of Floridas Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research under contract from the SEFSC. Local Copies of this are maintained.

A masters level student at Texas A&M University at Galveston [TAMUG] worked for the Galveston Lab and applied satellite tags to nesting turtles. When the student finished their work and moved on, TAMUG took over the satellite nestiing project, but as a condition of the USFWS permit was TAMUG had to bring the turtle back to the NOAA Galveston Laboratory for satellite tagging so the Galveston Lab continued to document information even though they were not the ones physically collecting that information. Later turtles were documented that were moved off the beach for satellite tagging, even if they didn't receive a satellite tag. In addition the Galveston Lab continued to document each time a satellite turtle was seen, even if it was not satellite tagged.

Radio transmitters attached to sea turtles captured in various fishing gear enabled us to track and measure surfacing time of each turtle. Determining location of each turtle required detection and direction (bearing) of radio signals simultaneously by two or more receivers in the area. From these bearings, the animal's location is determined via triangulation. Furthermore, because radio signals only transmit in the air, duration of detected signals can be used to determine length of time turtles were spending on the surface of the water.

Seasonal capture efforts were conducted to evaluate patterns of catch rates, species and size compisition. Acoustic and satellite telemetry were used to evaluate residency, movements, and dive behavior. AUV-borne sidescan sonar surveys were conducted at the peak of sea turtle abundance on the spring.

A survey was conducted in 2013 by NOAA Fisheries Mississippi Labs and the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) to collect data on angler fishing practices and sea turtle interactions. The survey was conducted as a pilot project from June-September at six different access points that were selected based on prior history of incidental captures and location so that surveys were conducted in all three coastal counties. Participating anglers were asked general questions about fishing practices such as typical fishing times and locations, and type of hook and bait used. They were also asked if they had caught or observed the capture of a sea turtle in the last 12 months and the outcome of the capture.

This data contains one comma-delimited file with data collected from dive-logging satellite tags placed on loggerhead sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico. Specifically, the file contains the turtle's platform transmitter terminal (PTT; satellite tag) number, the date and time (in UTC) of the dive data collected, the behavioral mode of the turtle on that date, and the dive data values. These values are identified by the column "bin_type_num" which includes the type of bin and what level, as well as "value", which includes either the number or percent of dives.

This data contains one comma-delimited file with data collected from dive-logging satellite tags placed on loggerhead sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico. Specifically, the file contains the turtle's platform transmitter terminal (PTT; satellite tag) number, the date and time (in UTC) of the dive data collected, the behavioral mode of the turtle on that date, and the dive data values. These values are identified by the column "bin_type_num" which includes the type of bin and what level, as well as "value", which includes either the number or percent of dives.