In previous NSF-funded studies, small video and data recorders were developed and used that can be attached to free-ranging marine mammals to observe their underwater behavior, track their three-dimensional movements and record their environment (e.g., Science 283:993-996, 1999; Science 288:133-136, 2000). This project builds upon this success by developing miniature, animal-borne oceanographic data recorders (mini-ODRs) that will record fine spatial and temporal resolution data on conductivity (salinity), temperature and dissolved oxygen as well as three-dimensional location in the water column and geolocation at the surface using marine animals as small as 12 kg.
Marine mammals and other pelagic vertebrates (e.g., sea turtles, penguins large fishes) that range throughout the world's oceans and descend to depths of up to 2,000 m have the potential of carrying oceanographic instruments that record fine spatial and temporal resolution data at relatively low cost, especially in areas that are not frequently visited by research vessels (e.g., the Arctic Ocean and Southern Ocean) and during the winter when sea ice and harsh weather pose severe logistical challenges. The simultaneous measurement of conductivity (salinity), temperature and dissolved oxygen as a function of location (vertical and horizontal) in the water column is fundamental in understanding the physical and biological oceanography of a region. Such fine resolution data, when applied to large geographic areas, can provide critical information on ocean circulation and structure which influence climate and ecosystem processes over large areas. The oceans are a key element in understanding climate change, and there is an increasing need for synoptic data on a global level. Most sub-surface oceanographic data have been obtained from ship-based surveys and the deployment of drifters. Animal-borne instruments provide a relatively low cost alternative for augmenting these data, especially in polar regions.
Intellectual Merit: Marine mammals and other pelagic vertebrates (e.g., sea turtles, penguins large fishes) that range throughout the world’s oceans and descend to depths of up to 2,000 m have the potential of carrying oceanographic instruments that record fine spatial and temporal resolution data at relatively low cost, especially in areas that are not frequently visited by research vessels (e.g., the Arctic Ocean and Southern Ocean) and during the winter when sea ice and harsh weather pose severe logistical challenges. The simultaneous measurement of conductivity (salinity), temperature and dissolved oxygen as a function of location (vertical and horizontal) in the water column is fundamental in understanding the physical and biological oceanography of a region. In this instrumentation development project, we designed and fabricated long recording duration (160 days programmable), miniature oceanographic data recorders (mini-ODRs) that can be attached to free-ranging marine mammals and other pelagic species. The mini-ODRs have sensors for: 1) conductivity (salinity), temperature and dissolved oxygen, 2) determining the animal’s three-dimensional location and movements in the water column, and 3) determining geolocation at the surface with a fast-acquisition GPS. Such fine resolution data, when applied to large geographic areas, can provide critical information on ocean circulation and structure which influence climate and ecosystem processes over large areas. The oceans are a key element in understanding climate change, and there is an increasing need for synoptic data on a global level. Most sub-surface oceanographic data have been obtained from ship-based surveys and the deployment of drifters. Animal-borne instruments provide a relatively low cost alternative for augmenting these data, especially in polar regions. Broader Impacts: The charismatic nature of large marine animals, such as marine mammals, sea turtles, penguins and large fishes that would carry the type of instrument developed in this project presents a great potential for outreach on a variety of levels. In this project, we continued with several formal and informal education/outreach programs. Outreach activities included interviews, written material and photographs provided to print and electronic media, and university students, and public lectures. We have started discussions with a private company to commercially produce the mini-ODRs. This will make the instruments widely available to the scientific community, thereby benefitting research infrastructure. These instruments will significantly improve current technologies by at least an order of magnitude in fundamental aspects. This will benefit a broad user community through mass availability of the technology. Results from instruments that will eventually be deployed on large marine animals attract an extraordinary amount of press coverage that brings scientific research to the public, excites the imagination and helps instill an interest in science in children and adults.
