Five of the endangered reptiles have been tagged with small satellite transmitters for a research project.

Loggerhead turtle

Scientific name is Caretta caretta Found in temperate and subtropical waters Feeds mainly on shellfish from the ocean floor Nest every 2, 3 or more years

Wildlife enthusiasts are able to follow the progress of the five through the Atlantic Ocean.

They are heading north from their release site off South Carolina, US.

Some of the turtles have already travelled about 500 kilometres in two weeks.

Conservation efforts

Biologists believe the study will provide vital data about the turtles' dispersal, migratory pathways and foraging habitats.

Launching the scheme, biologist Sally Murphy, of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC-DNR), said: "The numbers of loggerhead nests deposited on beaches in South Carolina have declined significantly during the last two decades.

"With the loggerhead turtle being our state reptile, it is extremely important that we can understand the relationship between these foraging areas and commercial fishing activities after the summer nesting season in order to implement management."

The SC-DNR has teamed up with the non-profit Caribbean Conservation Corporation for the study.

They hope to use the internet to raise awareness of these endangered animals.