Sea Turtle HOV

We knew they went far but 4,700 miles. Impressive.

Scientists found that leatherback turtles regularly swim that distance across the Atlantic Ocean. You could drive from New York City to Portland, Oregon, and almost back again before reaching that mileage. You could get there faster if you went in lanes reserved for High Occupancy Vehicles.

There's an idea. If we know where they're going and where they started, maybe we can better protect the endangered beasts. Establish their routes on a map of the ocean and restrict certain uses on these routes. Call them sea turtle lanes, just like we have shipping lanes, and just like we've taken care in some terrestrial areas to designate wildlife crossings and pathways.  It's bound to help.

Read the story here.


photo credit: CORBIS