New Page 2

How do you attach a transmitter to a turtle?

Scientists have used a variety of methods to attach transmitters to the turtles carapace. We follow the method described by Balazs et. al. (1996) with some modifications for use with juvenile turtles. All telemetry/tagging projects must first be approved by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Preparing the carapace – All barnacles, algae, and other material must be removed from the carapace to insure proper transmitter attachment. The area should be lightly sanded, and dried/cleaned with an ethanol or isopropanol-damped cloth.*

Mounting the transmitter on the carapace – To ensure proper placement of the transmitter, a silicone elastomer base is used to provide a level surface on the carapace.*

Bonding the transmitter to the carapace – Strips of fiberglass cloth are placed over the transmitter. Fiberglass resin is applied to the fiberglass cloth to bond the transmitter to the carapace.*

Transmitter type and duty cycle – TAM-2618 Argos satellite transmitters from Telonics, Inc. (Mesa, AZ) are used. Each transmitter weighs 49 g. Duty cycles were programmed to 6 hrs on /18 hrs off to ensure maximum operation life of the transmitters.

*Balazs, et al. 1996. Procedures to attach a satellite transmitter to the carapace of an adult green turtle, Chelonia mydas. Proceedings of the Fifteenth Annual Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology and Conservation. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SEFSC-387.

Preparing the carapace – All barnacles, algae, and other material must be removed from the carapace to insure proper transmitter attachment. The area should be lightly sanded, and dried/cleaned with an ethanol or isopropanol-damped cloth.*
Mounting the transmitter on the carapace – To ensure proper placement of the transmitter, a silicone elastomer base is used to provide a level surface on the carapace.*
Bonding the transmitter to the carapace – Strips of fiberglass cloth are placed over the transmitter. Fiberglass resin is applied to the fiberglass cloth to bond the transmitter to the carapace.*
Transmitter type and duty cycle – TAM-2618 Argos satellite transmitters from Telonics, Inc. (Mesa, AZ) are used. Each transmitter weighs 49 g. Duty cycles were programmed to 6 hrs on /18 hrs off to ensure maximum operation life of the transmitters.