-
BOXED IN
http://migramar.org/hi/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/our_work_turtles_slideshow_10.jpgBecause affixing a satellite transmitter can take a while (around 30 min), turtles are penned in to minimize their movement and to keep them quiet. Despite the marked physical differences between these two turtles, they are both green turtles (Chelonia mydas). This species shows very diverse morphologies, such as the dark, mottled morph referred to as ‘black’ turtles (top), as well as turtles that come all the way over from the western Pacific, referred to as ‘yellow’ turtles (bottom).
la
-
PREP-TIME
http://migramar.org/hi/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/our_work_turtles_slideshow_09.jpgSea turtle shells can become island oases for tiny ocean critters, whose encrusting habits tend to make the surface of their mobile home uneven and rough. This is just the opposite of what’s needed to ensure secure adhesion of a satellite transmitter. A bit of coarse sand paper does the trick to create a smooth, even surface to which a transmitter will stick. Photo: Bryan Wallace.
la
-
MAKE IT SHINE
http://migramar.org/hi/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/our_work_turtles_slideshow_08.jpgOnce the shell is sanded and smoothed, all of the debris, dust, and dirt must be removed. A bit of ethanol and acetone are used with dry towels to clean the shell surface thoroughly. These solvents also evaporate quickly, taking whatever remaining moisture residue there might be within tiny crevices on the shell. Trapped moisture and solid particles under the epoxy/transmitter platform will diminish the strength of the attachment, so every effort must be made to remove them. Photo: Bryan Wallace.
la
-
LAYING THE FOUNDATION
http://migramar.org/hi/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/our_work_turtles_slideshow_07.jpgQuick-drying epoxy is the adhesive of choice for attaching satellite transmitters to hard, keratinaceous (like your fingernails) sea turtle shells. The foundation is laid down evenly over a wide patch of shell to provide a broad base for subsequent epoxy layers and, of course, the transmitter. Photo: Bryan Wallace.
la
-
TAG ON!
http://migramar.org/hi/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/our_work_turtles_slideshow_06.jpgAfter another dollop of epoxy is applied to the foundation, the all-important satellite transmitter is attached to the highest part of the turtle’s domed shell. This positioning means that the tag is in the best possible spot to maximize the time for sending signals to satellites, which occurs while a turtle is at the surface breathing. Photo: Bryan Wallace.
la
-
MAKING IT STICK
http://migramar.org/hi/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/our_work_turtles_slideshow_05.jpgThe final addition of epoxy is designed to hold the tag onto the foundation and thus, the turtle’s shell. Once all of the epoxy dries, the turtle will be ready to return to the sea. Photo: Bryan Wallace.
la
-
DON’T FORGET THE TAPE!
http://migramar.org/hi/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/our_work_turtles_slideshow_04.jpgSatellite transmitters have a built-in saltwater switch that tells the tag when it is underwater (i.e. “don’t try to transmit data to satellites – save batteries!”) or dry (i.e. “at the surface – transmit!”). The nodes of the switch are covered with small pieces of tape to keep them clean while the sticky epoxy is slathered on the tag and turtle. This is a smart move, but researchers have to remember to peel them off before releasing the turtle! Photo: Bryan Wallace.
la
-
GETTING A LIFT
http://migramar.org/hi/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/our_work_turtles_slideshow_03.jpgWhen the transmitter attachment takes place away from the beach, the turtle sometimes gets a special ride home. This male green turtle (note the extra long tail typical of adult male turtles) is a willing recipient. Photo: Bryan Wallace.
la
-
READY TO SWIM
http://migramar.org/hi/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/our_work_turtles_slideshow_02.jpgTag in place and turned on, this green turtle is ready to return to the sea and get back to doing whatever it is it is going to do. Of all sea turtles, only nesting female turtles and hatchlings ever spend time on land, but this juvenile green turtle still remembers how to walk itself right down the beach to the water. A snorkeler awaits with video camera in hand to capture the moment. Photo: Bryan Wallace.
la
-
HEADING HOME
http://migramar.org/hi/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/our_work_turtles_slideshow_01.jpgResearcher Diego Amorocho and park guard Luis Jimenez watch on as a juvenile green turtle re-enters the water at Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona, Colombia. The reefs around Isla Gorgona provide habitat for juvenile green and hawksbill turtles, which researchers are able to capture by hand during nocturnal free-dives. Turtles are typically quiescent at night, perched on the bottom resting, and are easily grabbed by adept researchers. Photo: Bryan Wallace.
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
la
