Using satellite trackers, scientists have discovered the whereabouts of young sea turtles during a key part of their lives. For decades, scientists have wondered about what happens during the so-called lost years between when tiny hatchlings leave the beach and when they return to coastlines nearly grown — a span of about one to 10 years. New research published Tuesday in Proceedings of the Royal Society B shows young turtles move between continental shelf waters and open ocean. Data from GPS tags also revealed the tiny turtles were actually swimming, not only drifting with ocean currents. Using satellite trackers, scientists have discovered the whereabouts of young sea turtles during a key part of their lives. For decades, scientists have wondered about what happens during the so-called lost years between when tiny hatchlings leave the beach and when they return to coastlines nearly grown — a span of about one to 10 years. New research published Tuesday in Proceedings of the Royal Society B shows young turtles move between continental shelf waters and open ocean. Data from GPS tags also revealed the tiny turtles were actually swimming, not only drifting with ocean currents. AP Technology and Science
