Learn about satellite tagging of cetaceans (Research Theme IV)

Assessment of Movement Patterns and Critical Habitat for Coastal and Continental Shelf Small Cetaceans in the Gulf of Mexico using Newly Developed Remote Satellite Tagging Techniques, PI Michael Moore, WHOI

The objectives of this project are (1) to develop a new and innovative tool to remotely attach telemetry devices to monitor the movement, behavior, and habitat use of coastal and continental shelf small cetaceans; and (2) to deploy satellite-linked tags remotely on free-swimming small cetaceans in the coastal and continental shelf waters of the Gulf of Mexico to facilitate safe collection of data on movements and critical habitats for these species that can be used to inform management agencies on appropriate management and restoration strategies. This project builds off research efforts conducted under a previous NOAA RESTORE Science Program grant to the National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF), as well as prior collaborative efforts by Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (SDRP) and WHOI. Both prior efforts developed and tested various approaches for a remote tag attachment device, and both converged on a prototype design using a pole and pneumatic device for tag attachment. The current version of the pole-mounted Tag Attachment Device (TADpole) prototype developed by the SDRP-WHOI team was the starting point for this project.