Elephant seals dive for science
22 February 2006
Elephant seals on South Georgia are collecting scientific information for researchers at NERC's Sea Mammal Research Unit, based at the University of St Andrews.
The seals have computerised tags stuck to their heads which record details of temperature, depth and salinity of the water. As the seals swim and dive in the Southern Ocean, the tags collect information. When the animal surfaces to take a breath, the information is transmitted via satellite to the scientists in Scotland. The tags operate for about a year and then fall off as the seal moults.
The research is highlighted as one of the BBC's top science and nature stories today.
Briefing note: 9/06
External links
Press links
Recent press news
- Huge pool of Arctic fresh water could cool Europe
- New Year Honours
- Violent storms provide testing conditions for research scientists
- Win for young entrepreneurs
- Queen's Award for world leading research unit
- British butterfly is evolving to respond to climate change
- NERC appoints new Chief Executive
- Frog trade link to killer fungus revealed
- Climate shifts could leave some species homeless, new research shows
- Research Centre highlighted as leading UK institute for ecology