What mystery drives leatherback turtles, these giants of the sea, to dive to astonishing depths? Last January, a western Pacific leatherback turtle set a record by reaching a depth of 4,409 feet (1,344 meters), surpassing the previous world record of 4,199 feet (1,280 meters). This exceptional dive is a feat that even most military submarines cannot match.
Leatherback turtle after laying eggs.
Image Wikimedia
This discovery was made by the environmental organization The Nature Conservancy as part of an unpublished satellite tracking study. Marine scientist Peter Waldie describes these migrations and deep dives as "truly spectacular." These observations highlight the extraordinary capabilities of leatherback turtles, able to traverse the Pacific and dive to abyssal depths.
Leatherback turtles have developed unique adaptations for these deep dives. Their shells contract and expand under pressure, allowing them to survive the crushing pressures of the deep sea. They can also hold their breath for around 90 minutes, an impressive ability for air-breathing creatures.
Scientists believe these deep dives are primarily driven by the search for food, notably jellyfish, which move vertically in the water column. Understanding these behaviors is crucial for the protection of this critically endangered species.
The Solomon Islands host a population of leatherback turtles that nest on its beaches, with about 1,400 breeding adults. Conservation efforts, such as tagging the turtles and protecting the nests from poaching, are essential for their survival. The case of Uke Sasakolo, the turtle that set the depth record, and Aunty June, who traversed the Pacific, show the diversity of migratory routes and the challenges these creatures face.
The journey of the leatherback turtle named Aunty June across the Pacific, from the Solomon Islands to the coast of Baja California, Mexico.
Credit: © TNC
Ultimately, every breeding adult and every protected nest are vital for the survival of this species. Ongoing research will continue to illuminate the incredible capabilities of leatherback turtles and guide conservation efforts to preserve them.