A young green sea turtle, rehabilitated at the Florida Keys Turtle Hospital, has been released with a satellite tracker to participate in the 'Tour de Turtles' migration race. The annual event, organized by the Sea Turtle Conservancy, follows the journeys of a dozen sea turtles from Florida and various Caribbean islands. Beginning August 1st, the Conservancy will monitor these turtles as they travel vast distances.

The turtle, named Marcia, was discovered floating off the Middle Keys in March, suffering from positive buoyancy disorder, a condition preventing turtles from diving for food. This can be caused by infections, digestive blockages, or spinal and lung injuries, often resulting from boat collisions. After months of treatment at the Turtle Hospital, which included antibiotics, fluids, vitamins, and a specialized diet, Marcia, now weighing approximately 50 pounds, was deemed healthy enough for release.

The 'Tour de Turtles' is not just a race; it's a crucial research project. Dr. Dan Evans, a senior research biologist with the Sea Turtle Conservancy, explained that the data collected helps researchers understand turtle migration patterns, feeding grounds, and potential threats to their survival. This knowledge is critical for conservation efforts, especially for green sea turtles, which are currently classified as "threatened" under the Endangered Species Act. Bette Zirkelbach, general manager of the Turtle Hospital, emphasized the importance of protecting sea turtles like Marcia, highlighting how the tracking data contributes significantly to the species' long-term survival.