Challenges in small cetacean telemetry: an attempt at developing a remotely deployed attachment device for single-pin dorsal fin satellite transmitters
Abstract Satellite telemetry is critical for collecting fine-scale temporal and spatial data on individual animals that has broad-scale applicability at population and species levels. There have been significant advances in the remote deployment of satellite telemetry devices on large cetacean speci...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
BMC
2023-03-01
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| Series: | Animal Biotelemetry |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40317-023-00328-z |
| _version_ | 1827974701104758784 |
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| author | Brian C. Balmer Andrew J. Westgate Wayne E. McFee |
| author_facet | Brian C. Balmer Andrew J. Westgate Wayne E. McFee |
| author_sort | Brian C. Balmer |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Satellite telemetry is critical for collecting fine-scale temporal and spatial data on individual animals that has broad-scale applicability at population and species levels. There have been significant advances in the remote deployment of satellite telemetry devices on large cetacean species. However, the development of comparable remote attachment methodologies for small cetaceans is still limited. Currently, satellite tag attachment for small cetaceans requires manual capture that increases the risk to the target animal, can be logistically challenging, and cost prohibitive. The goal of this project was to develop a novel tool to remotely attach single-pin satellite telemetry devices to the dorsal fin of individual small cetaceans. Three different spring-loaded designs and one pneumatic version of the remote attachment device were built in an iterative process to identify a successful deployment methodology. Ultimately, as a result of logistical challenges associated with a Category 5 hurricane, the COVID-19 pandemic, and engineering complexities related to dorsal fin morphology and small cetacean behavior, the objective of this project was not met. However, lessons learned from these attempts to develop this new sampling tool have applicability for future researchers in the successful completion of a safe and effective methodology for remote attachment of satellite tags to small cetacean dorsal fins. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-09T19:58:35Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-64eba8cdf1f049459c50a60f48611110 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2050-3385 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-09T19:58:35Z |
| publishDate | 2023-03-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Animal Biotelemetry |
| spelling | doaj.art-64eba8cdf1f049459c50a60f486111102023-04-03T05:20:37ZengBMCAnimal Biotelemetry2050-33852023-03-0111111010.1186/s40317-023-00328-zChallenges in small cetacean telemetry: an attempt at developing a remotely deployed attachment device for single-pin dorsal fin satellite transmittersBrian C. Balmer0Andrew J. Westgate1Wayne E. McFee2Dolphin Relief and ResearchDepartment of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina WilmingtonNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Centers for Coastal Ocean ScienceAbstract Satellite telemetry is critical for collecting fine-scale temporal and spatial data on individual animals that has broad-scale applicability at population and species levels. There have been significant advances in the remote deployment of satellite telemetry devices on large cetacean species. However, the development of comparable remote attachment methodologies for small cetaceans is still limited. Currently, satellite tag attachment for small cetaceans requires manual capture that increases the risk to the target animal, can be logistically challenging, and cost prohibitive. The goal of this project was to develop a novel tool to remotely attach single-pin satellite telemetry devices to the dorsal fin of individual small cetaceans. Three different spring-loaded designs and one pneumatic version of the remote attachment device were built in an iterative process to identify a successful deployment methodology. Ultimately, as a result of logistical challenges associated with a Category 5 hurricane, the COVID-19 pandemic, and engineering complexities related to dorsal fin morphology and small cetacean behavior, the objective of this project was not met. However, lessons learned from these attempts to develop this new sampling tool have applicability for future researchers in the successful completion of a safe and effective methodology for remote attachment of satellite tags to small cetacean dorsal fins.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40317-023-00328-zAnimal trackingBiotelemetryRemote attachmentSatellite telemetrySmall cetaceans |
| spellingShingle | Brian C. Balmer Andrew J. Westgate Wayne E. McFee Challenges in small cetacean telemetry: an attempt at developing a remotely deployed attachment device for single-pin dorsal fin satellite transmitters Animal Biotelemetry Animal tracking Biotelemetry Remote attachment Satellite telemetry Small cetaceans |
| title | Challenges in small cetacean telemetry: an attempt at developing a remotely deployed attachment device for single-pin dorsal fin satellite transmitters |
| title_full | Challenges in small cetacean telemetry: an attempt at developing a remotely deployed attachment device for single-pin dorsal fin satellite transmitters |
| title_fullStr | Challenges in small cetacean telemetry: an attempt at developing a remotely deployed attachment device for single-pin dorsal fin satellite transmitters |
| title_full_unstemmed | Challenges in small cetacean telemetry: an attempt at developing a remotely deployed attachment device for single-pin dorsal fin satellite transmitters |
| title_short | Challenges in small cetacean telemetry: an attempt at developing a remotely deployed attachment device for single-pin dorsal fin satellite transmitters |
| title_sort | challenges in small cetacean telemetry an attempt at developing a remotely deployed attachment device for single pin dorsal fin satellite transmitters |
| topic | Animal tracking Biotelemetry Remote attachment Satellite telemetry Small cetaceans |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s40317-023-00328-z |
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