Sea turtles released into ocean with tracking satellites

WEST DENNIS, Mass. (AP) — The New England Aquarium in Massachusetts has released five sea turtles equipped with satellite tags to study their migration patterns.

The rescued loggerhead turtles were released back into the ocean Monday morning at West Dennis Beach. Each turtle will travel with a satellite tag glued to their shell for six to nine months. The tags transmit location and diving data.

Marine biologists want to determine how long the turtles feed around Cape Cod during the summer. Data will also help scientists evaluate movement around Florida and the Gulf Stream during the winter.

The turtles were rescued last year following bouts with life-threatening illnesses. Scientists nursed the animals back to health at the aquarium’s turtle hospital in Quincy.

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