Getting a Deeper Understanding of How Sea Turtles Navigate the Ocean

Like many migratory animals, sea turtles can sense Earth’s magnetic field (magneto-reception). Previous research into this ability discovered that sea turtles use magneto-reception as a compass to determine their direction. Additional studies revealed that they can also detect both the magnetic field intensity and the magnetic inclination angle to determine their geographical position (see “Sea Turtles: Navigating with Magnetism”).

Now, new research provides a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in how sea turtles use magnetoreception. In a recently published study in the journal Nature (see “Learned Magnetic Map Cues and Two Mechanisms of Magnetoreception in Turtles”), researchers tested captive juvenile loggerheads and confirmed that they can learn the specific magnetic coordinates of a geographical area (i.e., its magnetic signature) and remember it four months later. This ability allows them to return to specific foraging and nesting grounds. The researchers also determined that both the magnetic field intensity and inclination angle of the location had to match for the young loggerheads to recognize it.

Furthermore, the study found that the process sea turtles use to determine a location differs from the mechanism used to determine their direction. When exposed to radiofrequency (RF) waves, juveniles were still able to remember specific locations, but their ability to determine direction was impaired. Because of this finding, the researchers warn that RF waves produced by devices like mobile phones and radio transmitters could have a negative impact on sea turtles’ ability to navigate.

Learn More:

Use these links to learn more about this study and how sea turtles navigate the ocean.

• Journal Nature: “Learned Magnetic Map Cues and Two Mechanisms of Magnetoreception in Turtles” (February 12, 2025)
• CNN News: “Sea turtles ‘Dance’ When Their Superpower Leads Them to Food” (February 12, 2025)
• STPS Blog: “Do Sea Turtles Use Maps?” (October 21, 2020)
• Science Direct: “Sea Turtles: Navigating with Magnetism” (February 6, 2007)