Loggerhead sea turtles are like living fossils, having roamed the oceans to far-away destinations for five million years. They weigh up to 300 pounds and have powerful jaws and huge heads, hence the name. This spring, with the help of scientists Ed Standora and Steve Morreale, your class will follow four loggerheads on part of their mysterious ocean journey and try to answer some important questions. The scientists' research began in October when the loggerheads were tagged with satellite transmitters in the waters off Long Island, New York. We'll explore why they migrate and the course they followÑ how far, how fast, and how deep. We'll learn why so few turtles live to adulthoodÑonly 1 in 10,000 hatchlings is believed to make it to maturity. We'll discover what conservation steps are being taken to preserve the loggerheads, and whether this year's data will give new clues about better ways to protect these ancient mariners. So, "log on"; to the loggerheads and dive in! But, get ready to take a deep breath before you start.
© Journey North 1996