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Written by JORDAN BRANDES
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Tuesday, 21 April 2009 |
The race is on. This spring 11 leatherback sea turtles will be going from the ice-cold waters of Canada to the tropical shores of the Caribbean. Though this migration is annual for the turtles this year some very special humans are tagging along for the ride.
The trek will take the turtles nearly six thousand miles and complete a series of mini-tasks along the way. The two-week race will be studied by scientists and conservationists from around the world to determine how turtles use different marine habitats for nesting and other activities.
Each leatherbacked turtle will be coached and guided by a plethora of celebrity sponsors including Olympic swimmers Amanda Beard, Aaron Peirson, Janet Evans and more. Rowdy Gaines, known as “The Voice of Swimming” will serve as the official commentator for the migration.
“The fate of sea turtles, the global marine environment and humanity itself are all inextricably tied to the choices we make today,” said Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard, an advocate for saving turtles and their marine habitats. “Pearl Jam is happy to be a part of The Great Turtle Race, and we are encouraging all fans and friends to join the fun.”
National Geographic is hosting the race in collaboration with Conservation International (CI). Fans can choose a sea turtle to cheer on throughout the race. To pick your leatherback and support the creatures of the sea go to -
www.GreatTurtleRace.org.
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