Satellite tracking technology has helped scientists uncover new details about the early life of sea turtles, a period once called the “lost years.” In the past, researchers did not know where young turtles went after hatching. They disappeared into the open ocean and did not return to coastal waters for years. A recent study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B has shed light on this mysterious phase.

Over ten years, marine scientists tracked 114 young turtles, including endangered species like green turtles, loggerheads, hawksbills, and Kemp’s ridleys. Using GPS devices in the Gulf of Mexico, they challenged the old idea that young turtles only drift with ocean currents. By comparing their movements with drifting buoys, researchers discovered that many turtles actively swam against the current. This means they have more control over their migration than previously thought. This research is crucial for conservation. Knowing where young turtles go helps experts identify dangers like pollution and fishing. The lightweight, solar-powered trackers lasted for weeks or months before falling off naturally. These findings highlight the need for better tracking technology to protect sea turtles worldwide.