Towing a Float Decreases Swim Speed but Does Not Affect Swimming Behavior During Offshore Swimming in Sea Turtle Hatchlings

Swimming behavior and speed of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) hatchlings swimming offshore were compared between individuals that were free swimming and the same individuals towing a float. Towing a float did not influence swimming behavior in either species, but decreased swimming speed by 20% in green turtles and 50% in hawksbill turtles.