How deep can sea turtles dive?
Leatherbacks can dive to a depth of more than 1000m in search of their prey, jellyfish. The smaller species are unable to dive to such great depths. The Leatherback is adapted to deep dives because of its unique morphology. Unlike other sea turtles, the Leatherback lacks a rigid breastbone/ lower chest, allowing the chest to collapse during deep dives. There is a large amount of oil in the skin and the Leathery shell absorbs Nitrogen, reducing problems arising from decompression during deep dives and resurfacing.
