Satellite Tracking

When a turtle is outfitted with a satellite transmitter, it enables scientists from the Marine Turtle Research Group, University of Exeter (UK) working in collaboration with the Gabon Sea Turtle Partnership, to learn more about sea turtle migrations and to plan priorities for conservation action worldwide.  All of our satellite tagged sea turtles can be followed online at http://www.seaturtle.org/tracking/. We also follow the turtles that nest on Gabon's beaches and swim in its waters using flipper tags. LINK HERE FOR PUBLICATIONS. TAG RETURNS.

Satellite tagging is also an opportunity to raise awareness with Gabonese citizens: at our annual Turtle Day event, we have offered the naming and adoption of a satellite-tagged turtle as a prize to art contest winners. Winners receive a certificate and photos of their turtle, are recognized on the satellite tracking page of seaturtle.org, and are given updates on their turtle's progress.

Turtles Need Love Too!

This turtle was one of several that were "adopted" by the winners of our Turtle Day art contests. She was given the name "Janne" by Darryl Koumba, winner of the Gamba Turtle Day art contest!

Going the Distance!

Satellite tracking allows us to observe the amazing distances that sea turtles travel once they've left the shore. While the cost of the transmitters prevents the tracking of most of the sea turtles that nest on Gabon's beaches and swim in its waters, we are able to place identification tags on nearly all the turtles we encounter. This is part of an ongoing international effort, and already we have seen evidence of very long migrations!

Gabon-tagged Sea Turtle Recaptured in South Africa

Transatlantic Sea Turtle

Going International!

One of the green turtles that we outfitted with a satellite tag near Cap Esterias travelled north into the waters of Equatorial Guinea. This highlights the importance of international collaboration.

For More Information...

Satellite tracking studies have provided interesting information about sea turtle migrations. To dive deeper into this subject, click on one of the links below.

Greens 2010-2011

Leatherbacks 2009-2010

Leatherbacks 2008-2009

Olive Ridleys 2008-2009

Using Satellite Tracking to Optimize Protection of Long-Lived Marine Species: Olive Ridley Sea Turtle Conservation in Central Africa

Spotlight on Sara Maxwell

Satellite tracking highlights difficulties in the design of effective protected areas for Critically Endangered leatherback turtles Dermochelys coriacea during the inter-nesting period

Tracking leatherback turtles from the world's largest rookery: assessing threats across the South Atlantic