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Ever since 2004 scientists have used seals provided with sensors in order to explore the corners of the Antarctic seas and gather information about ice cover, global warming and weather forecasting. The project was initiated in 2004 and involved over 1.000 seals.
This project was led by an 11-nation consortium known as Marine Mammals exploring the Oceans Pole-to-Pole (MEOP). Using the sensors the researchers were able to gather data about position, temperature, sea pressure and salinity even from depths of 7.000 feet. Ever since the project was initiated the investigators obtained more than 300.000 environmental profiles of the sea.
One of the researchers involved in the study, Mike Fedak, said that using animals to explore the ocean was an interesting innovation. However he remarked that the data collected from inaccessible places has greater importance since it offers researchers a much clearer picture of the depths of the ocean. He added that data from such remote locations is essential for understanding the state of the Global Ocean. The data collected can be used in various ways such as for example measuring the movements of glaciers which influences the world’s ocean.
The sensors need batteries to function and can last for months at a time. The information collected by the sensors such as temperature and salinity is beamed back via satellite thorough short messages and reach the investigators. Other monitors are used to measure the levels of oxygen in the sea or the amount of chlorophyll which is essential information for determining the levels of carbon dioxide and the process of ocean acidification.
In order to attach the sensors on the elephant seals the researchers firstly mobilized them on land and afterwards glued to sensors to them. The devices also offer information about the animals themselves. It is interesting to observe the migration patterns of the seals which are influenced by the changing climate conditions.
Another researcher who took part in the study was Lars Boehm who remarked:
“Changes in the polar oceans have global ramifications and a significant influence on weather and climate. Sustained observations are required to detect, interpret and respond to change and a strategic system of observations combining a range of platforms is critical in maintaining the flow of information.”
The data which was collected with the help of the seals was made available to other international scientific community too through a portal. This is extremely helpful since nowadays many studies focus on analyzing remotes part of the sea.
Image Source: International Business Times
