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Researchers have found an innovative way to investigate the ocean’s seabeds by enlisting the help of sea lions. In Australia, a dedicated team has utilized endangered Australian sea lions (Neophoca cinerea) to transport video cameras into the largely uncharted territories of the ocean. The footage captured has led to the discovery of several previously undocumented habitats vital for these marine mammals in what is known as the benthic zone, which represents the most profound ecological stratum in aquatic environments. Insights gained from this approach are detailed in a study published on August 7 in Frontiers in Marine Science.
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Exploring New Depths
Understanding and mapping out sandy and rocky seafloors remains incomplete and fragmented. Utilizing remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) like Alvin or Jason Jr., developed by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, often proves too expensive and complex due to strict weather requirements for effective dives.
“Incorporating animal-borne video feeds coupled with movement data from marine predators represents a powerful method for surveying diverse benthic habitats over extensive stretches of seabed,” explains Nathan Angelakis, co-author of the study and PhD candidate at The University of Adelaide alongside researchers at South Australian Research and Development Institute.
This research holds significant value not just for pinpointing crucial habitats pertaining to endangered species like Australian sea lions but also contributes broadly towards visualizing previously undetected sections of seafloor.
During their study, eight adult female Australian sea lions residing at both Olive Island and Seal Bay colonies were outfitted with compact video recording devices designed to be lightweight. Employing neoprene—similar materials used in wetsuits—the researchers attached these cameras securely without burdening their natural mobility; collectively weighing less than one percent of each sea lion’s body weight allowed them uninhibited movement during their recording sessions lasting two to three days.
“We deployed our equipment on adult females consequently enabling us to retrieve it after brief intervals when they returned ashore,” added Angelakis.
The use of satellite-linked GPS loggers facilitated real-time tracking enabling confirmation when they arrived back at their breeding colonies.
Decoding Habitat Predictions
This investigation resulted in an impressive total collection time comprising 89 hours worth (insert units)of animal-recorded footage that distinguished six unique benthic habitats including macroalgae reefs, macroalgae meadows, bare sand areas,varieties characterized by sponge-sand compositions,invertebrate rich reef zones as well as zones featuring boulders inhabited by various organisms .
After obtaining these insights,the researchers used sophisticated machine learning algorithms integrating oceanographic datasets amassed over two decades which significantly enhanced habitat prediction capacity across southern Australia’s continental shelf.
The importance attributes influencing distribution patterns proved invaluable inputs when formulating more nuanced models focusing precisely yet broadly around regions covering approximately 5,000 square kilometers [around 1,930 square miles].” said Angelakis further clarifying analytical methods employed successfully during this comprehensive approach toward explorative mapping).
Insights from Sea Lion Perspectives
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