Development of Improved Satellite-Linked Transmitters, Physiological Recorders and Attachment Techniques for Monitoring Beaked Whales

摘要

We aim to improve upon our existing tagging and tracking methods for odontocetes and to develop new telemetry technology and attachment techniques that will advance researchers' abilities to understand the impacts of anthropogenic sound on odontocetes, especially beaked whales. The goal of Task 1 is to improve upon our existing remotely-deployed satellite tag attachment technique to achieve longer monitoring periods. The design concept will follow our current design of a miniature electronics package held outside the dorsal fin by small attachment darts that penetrate the fin but do not result in a significant adverse effect on the whale. Task 2 is the development of a new satellite transmitter in a similarly small package capable of dorsal fin attachment but with enhanced capabilities to measure and transmit behavioral information such as dive depth. For task 3 we will modify our existing technology for making physiological recordings and demonstrate its utility on beaked and pilot whales so that in the future diving physiology studies could be conducted to further our understanding of the susceptibility of these whales to adverse physiological effects of exposure to anthropogenic sounds. This project has 3 major technological objectives: (1) Improve upon our existing remotely-deployed satellite tag attachment technique to achieve longer duration monitoring periods, aiming for up to 6 months; (2) Develop a new satellite transmitter with enhanced capabilities to measure and transmit behavioral information; and (3) Improve on our existing technology for making physiological recordings and test it on beaked whales or other deep divers such as pilot whales.