Fig. 2

Surgical method that was used for implantation of subcutaneous acoustic transmitters in the right pre-femoral region of 15 loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). In all images the turtle’s head is to the right and its carapace is at the top. A Anesthetized turtle is placed in left lateral oblique ventral recumbency with the right hind leg secured in extension. B Approximately 2 cm skin incision is made. C Blunt and sharp subcutaneous dissection creates a tunnel to accept the transmitter. D Transmitter is inserted and toggled to orient it as parallel as possible to the long axis of the turtle. E Subcutaneous sutures are placed to close tissue over the transmitter. F Skin staples are placed at approximately 5 mm intervals