Fig. 1

Acoustic tag attachment method. Acoustic tags were attached to the flattest section of the posterior marginal scutes after being cleaned of epibionts using 80 grit sand paper and sterilized with 91% isopropyl alcohol. Two holes were drilled parallel to each other on either side of the positioned tag at the front (transmitting end) and back of the tag through which nylon-coated 1 × 7 stainless steel leader wire with 135 lb test was run through (a). Devcon Marine Plastic Putty was mixed together and placed beneath the tag, after which the wire was drawn taught through two aluminum clamps that cinched shut, and excess wire was removed (b). Tags from the V-16 family were typically attached using four holes (a, b). Tags from the V-13 family were typically attached using only three holes (c). Finally, the remaining putty is placed around the tag with the transmitting end left open to not disrupt acoustic signal transmission (d). We wrapped some putty around the edge of the carapace and onto the bottom of the marginal scute (e). f Position of the tag on the turtle