Seals Act as Acoustic Sensors to Record Marine Life
Researchers successfully used tagged seals to capture whale and dolphin calls in the remote Southern Ocean.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Wildlife
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Between 2017 and 2020, researchers tracked marine life in the Southern Ocean by equipping nine female southern elephant seals with acoustic tags. The study utilized the animals' natural diving behavior to record rare sounds from whales and dolphins in remote waters.
Why it matters
Using animals as mobile sensors allows scientists to gather critical data from extreme environments that are difficult for human researchers to access. These recordings offer unique insights into whale and dolphin vocalizations by leveraging the seals' own sleeping habits to minimize background noise.
Researchers tracked nine female southern elephant seals that perform up to 60 dives each day in the Southern Ocean. The process involved using a 2.5m-long tube and a 10cm needle to safely administer anesthesia before securing the recording equipment.
The players
Centre of Biological Studies Chize
A French research organization specializing in the study of marine animals and their environments.
The details
Researchers access reposing seals on land and use a specialized tube to inject anesthetic. Once the animals are unconscious, the team attaches acoustic tags using straps and a glued-on base. The seals then act as natural hydrophones during their daily routine, including during their sleep-filled drift phases that significantly reduce interference for clearer sound recordings.
Timeline
The acoustic tags were fitted to the nine seals between 2017 and 2020.
The Home Front
This study aligns with established marine ecology research protocols that aim to better understand biodiversity in the remote Southern Ocean. It builds upon ongoing efforts by institutions like the Centre of Biological Studies Chize to monitor species health in inaccessible habitats.
While this study provides new insights into marine ecosystems, it does not require direct action from households or pet owners. Stay informed on broader conservation efforts by tracking regional updates regarding local marine habitats near coastal areas.
The takeaway
Researchers are increasingly using natural animal behaviors to unlock biological data from the world's most remote waters. You can support local conservation by participating in citizen science projects that document wildlife sightings in your own community.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest research and habitat protections by visiting our section on Wildlife.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Discover Wildlife.
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Is using invasive tags on wild animals a justified method for advancing marine science research?
