Mr Craigie said little was known about the movement and behaviour of loggerhead turtles between their hatching and settling in coastal waters as adults, with this life stage known as the ‘lost years.’
“Last year we released satellite-tagged loggerhead turtles off Exmouth, and the tracking has given us some exciting insights, with at least one of the turtles having ventured as far as waters south of Madagascar, more than 6000km from its release location,” he said.
“This year, DBCA marine scientists will be micro-chipping and attaching ID tags to the turtles, so future sightings of them can be recorded to contribute to our growing knowledge of this fascinating species.”
DBCA Parks and Wildlife Service staff, supported by the Ningaloo Turtle Program, will release the turtles tomorrow out to sea in Ningaloo Marine Park.
“The rescue, rehabilitation, transport and release of the turtles wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of the public and many organisations and community groups working in partnership with DBCA,” Mr Craigie said.
DBCA extends its thanks to Qantas Freight for generously flying the turtles to Exmouth free of charge. Up-to-date satellite tracking information of turtles released last year can be viewed at www.seaturtle.org.