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Last Updated: Thursday, 31 May 2007, 17:58 GMT 18:58 UK
Scientists satellite tag turtles
Dr John Fish (l), Rowan Byrne and the rest of the university team (picture: Aberystwyth University)
Marine biologists from Aberystwyth University have tagged two giant leatherback turtles in the Caribbean as part of an international study.

The team visited the Commonwealth of Dominica, where they have used satellite tags to find out how female turtles choose a beach to lay eggs.

Leatherbacks, the largest turtle species, are classed as endangered.

John Fish and Rowan Byrne led a team from the university's institute of biological sciences.

They were able to proceed with the tagging after meeting the island's prime minister, Roosavelt Skerrit.

One of the Leatherback turtles (picture: Aberystwyth University)
The turtles can grow up to 2.7m (8.8ft)
Due to their size, adults have few natural predators
The species is endangered
They are accidentally trapped in tuna and swordfish nets
They can weigh up to a tonne

"This is the first time that nesting leatherbacks have been satellite tracked off Dominica," said Dr Fish.

"Satellite relay data loggers were attached to two turtles, named Doris and Mabel.

"Directly attached to the hard outer shell, the data loggers will record their every movement for the next nine to 12 months before being naturally discarded as their shells expand, causing the attachments to give away."

In the short time since the turtles were tagged, Doris has stayed close to Dominica but Mabel has travelled 46 miles (75km) and dived to depths of 420m.

They will attempt to nest every three years between March and August at 10-day intervals. During this period they will lay between 70 to 100 eggs.

The experts will analyse the turtles' behaviour, where they lay their eggs, where they travel and the distances they cover.

A research team at Swansea University used satellite tags to track Leatherback turtles' movement and behaviour last year.

Rise in region's turtle sightings
28 Apr 07 |  Cornwall
Turtle found dead in fishing nets
05 Aug 05 |  Cornwall
Warmth sends leatherbacks north
01 Jul 06 |  South West Wales

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