Leatherback Turtle

I could see dark shadows moving through the ocean. At first I thought they were green sea turtles. It wasn't until I reviewed the video clips that I realized they were leatherback turtles. This species is the largest of the sea turtles and can reach nearly 3 meters (9 feet) in length and weigh almost 1000 kgs (2000 pounds). They are found worldwide. The ones I saw off of South Carolina were apparently heading for Nova Scotia to lay feed in the rich spring waters found there in the spring and summer.

They were feeding on cannonball jellyfish.

What an amazing animal!