In late November, 2021 Upwell deployed six prototype micro-satellite tags on juvenile loggerheads in the Azores in partnership with the COSTA Project, Okeanos Center of the University of the Azores, Aquário do Porto Pim, Mercator Ocean International and Florida Atlantic University. Despite the estimated 80 day tag lifespan, one of the solar powered tags continues to transmit over 150 days later! The tag is carried by the smallest of the group of loggerheads who was named Peniche.

Last Spring, Peniche was discovered washed ashore on the Azorean island of Faial by local police officer Jorge Martins. The tiny turtle was weak and cold when found. The officer took little Peniche to the Aquario do Porto Pim where it was rehabilitated and housed until its release on November 19, 2021. He named the turtle Peniche, after his hometown in mainland Portugal. Little did he know, this “little turtle that could” would go on to produce the longest satellite track ever recorded on a juvenile loggerhead turtle by these cutting-edge prototype micro-satellite tags.

The novel micro-satellite tags are being developed by Lotek Wireless, with field testing and input from Upwell and its partners, including COSTA, the University of the Azores, Florida Atlantic University, and Mercator Ocean International. The tag design and attachment methods are evolving and continue to be refined with each deployment. The tag carried by Peniche weighs less than a penny and operates off solar power. Although larger, conventional satellite tags can transmit longer, 150 days of transmissions is a first for the micro-satellite tags. 

This is great news for rapidly evolving conservation technologies, but also great news for loggerhead sea turtles. When sea turtle hatchlings leave their nest and dash to the sea, they begin a tumultuous and uncertain life history phase known as the “lost years”. We can only imagine the challenges that small turtles in the vast blue ocean may face, both natural and man-made. These tiny tags are helping show us where they go and how they use their marine environment. Only with this knowledge can we create conservation solutions that protect juvenile turtles when and where they need it most. 

Upwell and our partners in the Azores are currently gearing up for another release of tagged juvenile loggerheads in the coming weeks. Sign up for our e-newsletter at the bottom of the page to stay updated on Peniche’s journey and the new group of tiny turtles!