Tour de Turtles is an annual online educational program that tracks the migration of sea turtles around the world.
Organized by the Sea Turtle Conservancy, the program aims to raise awareness about the threats and challenges that sea turtles face, such as habitat loss, fishing gear entanglement, pollution, and climate change.
The program also supports research and conservation efforts to protect these endangered animals.
This year, the 16th edition of Tour de Turtles will follow 12 sea turtles of different species that have been released from beaches in Florida, Costa Rica, Panama, and Bermuda.
Each turtle has been fitted with a satellite-tracking transmitter that records its location, distance traveled, and diving behavior.
The public can follow the turtles' progress on the Tour de Turtles website and vote for their favorite turtle.
One of the participants in this year's Tour de Turtles is Marcia, a juvenile green sea turtle that was rehabilitated at the Florida Keys-based Turtle Hospital.
Marcia was found floating off the Middle Keys in March, suffering from positive buoyancy disorder, a condition that prevents sea turtles from diving down for food.
Marcia was treated with antibiotics, fluids, vitamins, and a healthy diet until she recovered. She was released from Sombrero Beach in Marathon on July 14 with a satellite tag on her shell.
How Marcia joined Tour de Turtles
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Marcia was named by her rescuers after Marcia Brady from the TV show "The Brady Bunch" because she was found near Marathon. She is estimated to be about 10 years old and weighs about 50 pounds (23 kilograms), as per Phys.org.
She is one of three green sea turtles that will participate in Tour de Turtles this year, along with Lenny from Costa Rica and Biscayne from Florida.
Marcia was selected to join Tour de Turtles because of her unique story and her potential to provide valuable information about green sea turtle migration in the Atlantic Ocean.
Green sea turtles are classified as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act and are facing multiple threats from human activities and environmental changes.
By tracking Marcia's movements, researchers hope to learn more about her habitat preferences, feeding grounds, and migratory routes.
Marcia's satellite tag will transmit data for about three months, depending on battery life and environmental conditions.
The tag is attached to her shell with epoxy glue and will eventually fall off as she grows. The tag does not harm or interfere with her normal behavior.
Since her release, Marcia has swum about six miles (10 kilometers) and has stayed close to the Florida Keys, as per Fox News.
She has been diving to depths of up to 33 feet (10 meters) and has been spending most of her time near seagrass beds, where she feeds on algae and other plants.
She has also been avoiding areas with high boat traffic and fishing activity.
Marcia is currently in third place in Tour de Turtles, behind Lenny and Biscayne. She is competing for the "People's Choice Award", which is determined by online votes from the public.
The turtle is also representing the "Clean Water Cause", which highlights the importance of water quality and pollution prevention for sea turtle health and survival.
Marcia's fans can follow her progress on the Tour de Turtles website and social media platforms. They can also support her cause by making donations to the Sea Turtle Conservancy or adopting a sea turtle from the Turtle Hospital.
By joining Tour de Turtles, Marcia is not only inspiring people to care about sea turtles but also contributing to scientific knowledge and conservation efforts that could help save her species.
