Hello all,
I’ve received a few quotes for turtle tags and discussed manufacturers with half a dozen folks with experience tagging turtles.
The general consensus seems to be that Wildlife Computers provides high quality tags. Their tags combine Fastloc GPS locations (highly accurate locations with error of 20-70 m) with satellite data transmission, salt water switch (wet/dry sensors) for conserving battery life, projected longevity of 470 days (though this can be extended with duty cycling and use of the wet/dry sensor), and temperature and depth sensors.
The downside of these tags is the cost, which is approximately $5,000 per tag and doesn’t include the satellite subscription, which can be ~$100 tag-1 month-1 per tag per month.
All the above options minus depth is $3,400 per tag.
If you are willing to give up GPS accuracies (Argos accuracy seems to be in the range of 250 – 1500 m) and depth you’re looking at $1,450 per tag.
I also received quotes from Biotrack. Their tags don’t currently have the ability to record depth. For Fastloc GPS locations with satellite connectivity, you’re looking at $3,400 per tag, plus the satellite service. Max life of 340 days.
If you are willing to accept Argos accuracy (again, without depth), Biotrack tags cost $1,500. Max longevity on those is c. 235 days.
SMRU – Fastloc GPS/Argos tags. Temperature and depth recorded every 4 seconds, of which a random sample is able to be transmitted with the remaining data recovery reliant on recovery of the tag. Typical configuration of a GPS location every 10-15 minutes with a subsample of those locations sent via Argos. Tag lifetimes of 12 months with D-battery configuration possible, but longer life possible with reduced GPS acquisition and data transmission rates. Solar variant also an option and may increase longevity, depending on diver behaviour of turtle, and adds $370 to total cost.
To summarise (satellite subscription costs excluded as they are the same regardless of tag - $97.30 tag-1 month-1). Prices have been converted to $USD due to fluctuations in the value of the pound, and are approximate.
| Manufacturer | Functionality | Cost |
| Wildlife Computers | Fastloc GPS/Argos/Depth/Temp/470 days | $5,000 |
| Wildlife Computers | Fastloc GPS/Argos/470 days | $3,400 |
| Wildlife Computers | Argos/470 days | $1,450 |
| Biotrack | Fastloc GPS/Argos/235 days | $3,400 |
| Biotrack | Argos/235 days | $1,500 |
| SMRU | Fastloc GPS/Argos/365 days | $4,360* |
*Depends on quantity. 1-4: £3,950 each; 5-9: £3,750 each; 10+: £3,500
It sounds like Alasdair and his team are making strides in their development of relatively inexpensive turtle tags, but aren’t quite there yet, and I’ll point everyone here for some details of their trials from last year. Please follow up with Alasdair if you have any specific questions.
Hopefully that’s helpful.
Best, Paul
Insert Standard Disclaimer: My views, not my organization's, do not amount to endorsement of any companies above.
