Marine biologists have tried to learn more about\u00a0sea turtles\u00a0by putting themselves in the animals\u2019 shoes \u2013 or, more accurately, on their shells.\u00a0<\/p>\n
By attaching animal-borne cameras to turtles, the scientists were able to get a close-up glimpse into their lives. “Our goal with the TurtleCam project was to show from a first-person (or should that be first-turtle) perspective how sea turtles<\/a> swim through the oceans,\u201d says marine biologist\u00a0Nathan J. Robinson<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The cameras are attached using a release mechanism that is corroded by the sea water in just a few hours, at which point the TurtleCam detaches from the individual.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cFrom our over 200 hours of recording, we are improving our knowledge of critical sea turtle habitats,\u201d Robinson adds. For example, one\u00a0study<\/a>\u00a0revealed that turtles might not fully fill their lungs when diving in shallower waters (to help them stay neutrally buoyant).\u00a0<\/p>\n In this TurtleCam footage, a ray can be seen cruising past the sea turtle. Credit: Nathan J. Robinson<\/p>\n This knowledge could be important for protecting turtles accidentally caught in fishing nets. \u201cIf true, this has implications for fisheries bycatch, as turtles caught in shallow waters may have lower oxygen reserves and thus could drown faster than those caught in deeper waters,\u201d write the authors in the paper.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ever seen a sea turtle burp? Credit: Nathan J. Robinson<\/p>\n The videos have also given the scientists a sneak peek into the turtles\u2019 social lives \u2013 and they were surprised by what they saw.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Interestingly we are learning that sea turtles are also incredibly social,\u201d says Robinson. <\/p>\n \u201cA turtle will rarely swim past another turtle without interacting in some way but the ecological purpose of these interactions still remains a mystery that we are trying to figure out!\u201d<\/p>\n TurtleCam shows two individuals interacting on the seafloor. Credit: Nathan J. Robinson<\/p>\n Image and video credit: footage owned and created by Nathan J. Robinson<\/a><\/p>\n More amazing wildlife stories from around the world<\/p>\n