Giant Sea Turtle Gives World 1st Complete Set of Migration Data

Over the past 2 weeks a number of organizations including National Geographic, Conservation International, and several famous rock bands helped facilitate the “Great Turtle Race”: a fun effort to scientifically track the migration of 11 endangered leatherback sea turtles on their journey from Canada to the Caribbean. In addition to building awareness of the need for turtle conservation, one of the turtles provided the world with the 1st complete set of migration data ever recorded for a sea turtle.

Seen above, the sea turtle known as Wawa Bear traveled 4471 miles and had her entire route tracked successfully. At 1315 pounds, it should not be hard to imagine where the name “bear” comes from. Wawa Bear is, in fact, the largest sea turtle ever captured in Nova Scotian waters.

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She traveled all the way from Canada to French Guiana, and has been a research participant for 15 years, which helped scientists to know where she typically nests. Upon reaching shore she laid 95 eggs, and has nested three more times since then.

Scientists followed the sea turtles using satellite tracking devices, that also allowed enthusiasts to watch the race online, while tracking the turtles’ paths, the approximate distance they traveled, how many deep dives they made, and how many times they entered cold water. You can still see the data and a fascinating replay of the race by clicking here. In the end it was a turtle sponsored by the band Pearl Jam that won the race (Wawa Bear came in 5th). Other well-known sponsors included the bands R.E.M and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, as well as U.S. Olympic swimmers.

Leatherback Sea Turtles are an endangered species, and can grow up to 7 feet long and up to 2000 pounds in weight. They can dive up to 4200 feet, deeper than any other sea turtle species. The leatherback also has the longest migration of any sea turtle species.

For more information about leatherbacks and the Great Turtle Race, click here.

Photo Credit: © Jean-Yves Georges

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