Plastic flipper tags are inadequate for long-term identification of the flatback sea turtle (Natator depressus)

Abstract

Two styles of plastic tags were used on flatback sea turtles (Natator depressus). In parallel with conventional metal flipper tagging, and internal PIT tagging methodologies, a total of 476 plastic tags were applied to 428 individual females in the 1991, 1992, 1993 and 1998 nesting seasons at Wild Duck Island, Queensland. Data are reported up to and including the 2000 nesting season demonstrating that plastic tags are inadequate for the long-term identification of these turtles, with failures of approximately 80% within three years of application.