And finally, we get information on the longevity of different tag types. . The attachment of metal tags to sea turtle flippers is historically the most common tagging method used to identify individual turtles. Each tag has a unique alphanumeric identifier. This tag in this photo has been flattened out to a single plane. Typically it has a 3-5 year retention period.
Tags arrive in an open triangular shape, ready to slip into the tag applicator.
The tip of the tag is coated with Neosporin before crimping it onto the sea turtles flipper. The application of a flipper tag to a turtle has been compared to getting an ear pierced in humans. The flipper tag is shown on the trailing edge of a sea turtle's left flipper. They are generally used as a backup in case flipper tags detach. CWT tags are also used for mass marking of hatchlings at nesting beaches.