Laboratory measurements of light beam depolarization by a turbulent flow, corresponding to oceanic turbulence within the oceanic mixed layer, show that the depolarization rate (1x10(-5)?m(-1) to 3x10(-3)?m(-1)) correlates with turbulence strength and is consistent with polarized lidar observations [Opt. Express, 16, 1196 (2008)OPEXFF1094-408710.1364/OE.16.001196]. These results imply that one should be able to characterize oceanic turbulence with polarimetric oceanic lidar measurements.