Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
While most people are asleep, our Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life scientists, Sea Turtle Hospital biologists, and partners in Puerto Rico are walking beaches, searching for nesting leatherback sea turtles, collecting data, and attaching satellite tags—all under the glow of red lights.
Why red lights? Unlike bright white lights, red wavelengths are much less visible to the animals, allowing researchers to work while minimizing disturbance.
Leatherbacks do most of their nesting at night, which means that's when the research happens, too. Once a turtle begins laying her eggs, the team has a short window to safely collect measurements, record data, and attach a satellite tag that will help us track her movements long after she returns to the ocean.
The information gathered through this research helps us better understand where leatherbacks nest, migrate, and feed so we can better protect them throughout their range.
Partners: ATMAR, Amigos de las Tortugas Marinas, Tortugueros del Oeste, and Chelonia.
📸: DRNA permit 2026-EPE-004
#LeatherbackTurtles #SeaTurtle #NestingLeatherbacks #AndersonCabotCenter
While most people are asleep, our Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life scientists, Sea Turtle Hospital biologists, and partners in Puerto Rico are walking beaches, searching for nesting leatherback sea turtles, collecting data, and attaching satellite tags—all under the glow of red lights.
Why red lights? Unlike bright white lights, red wavelengths are much less visible to the animals, allowing researchers to work while minimizing disturbance.
Leatherbacks do most of their nesting at night, which means that's when the research happens, too. Once a turtle begins laying her eggs, the team has a short window to safely collect measurements, record data, and attach a satellite tag that will help us track her movements long after she returns to the ocean.
The information gathered through this research helps us better understand where leatherbacks nest, migrate, and feed so we can better protect them throughout their range.
Partners: ATMAR, Amigos de las Tortugas Marinas, Tortugueros del Oeste, and Chelonia.
📸: DRNA permit 2026-EPE-004
#LeatherbackTurtles #SeaTurtle #NestingLeatherbacks #AndersonCabotCenter
