Cape Cod's rescued sea turtles can be tracked for a year or more as they roam the Atlantic

Some sea turtles rescued in Massachusetts remain traceable long after they are returned to the ocean, with public updates showing where certain animals travel in the Atlantic for months and sometimes for more than a year.

Here's what to know

According to Cape Cod Times, the New England Aquarium uses an online Sea Turtle Tracker to share the post-release movements of some tagged turtles, including animals rescued from Cape Cod after becoming cold-stunned.

There are two loggerhead sea turtles in particular, Helen and Eros, that continued transmitting location data following their June 2025 release. Both were found cold-stunned in Cape Cod waters, received treatment at the aquarium's sea turtle hospital in Quincy, and were later released from West Dennis Beach.

They were fitted with satellite trackers designed by researchers at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, which is affiliated with the aquarium, and Helen's data showed her travelling as far as Florida before returning north.

Research scientist Kara Dodge said the data "demonstrates the capacity of rehabilitated sea turtles to reacclimate and thrive in their ocean home."

More background

When turtles are found alive, they may be transported for veterinary care, monitored during recovery, and eventually released once they are healthy enough to return to the wild.

Tracking data can help researchers better understand migration routes, habitat use, and survival after release, and is an essential conservation tool for researchers and conservationists. By knowing where turtles are going, we can better protect their preferred habitats. 

Helen, who is part of a Greek mythology-themed cohort, is the farthest traveled of the group, having gone all the way to Florida before heading back north.

What's being done?

The New England Aquarium is combining rescue, rehabilitation, release, and post-release monitoring into a single visible conservation effort. By tagging some turtles before they return to the ocean, the organization can gather data that supports both research and public education.

Helen and Eros are still out there, and location updates continue to appear after their June 2025 release.

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