Summary

Description

Nesting females were monitored on the beach between Sandbridge and the North Carolina state line by personnel from the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge BBNWR. On 11 July 1993 an emerging female was allowed to complete nesting, was constrained to prevent escape, then weighed and measured Photograph 1. A satellite transmitter Telonics model ST6 was affixed to the carapace of the turtle with plastic resin, a noninvasive procedure Photographs 2 and 3. We have utilized this methodsuccessfully on over 15 turtles Keinath, 1993. The turtle was then released at BBNWR that morning Photograph 4, and movements and behavior were monitored until the transmitter failed on 28 July 1993. Travel routes were plotted and distances traveled and movement speeds were calculated. Diving behavior was described from data collected by 5 sensors on board the transmitters.