Development of Improved Satellite-Linked Transmitters, Physiological Recorders, and Attachment Techniques for Monitoring Beaked Whales

We aim to improve upon our existing tagging and tracking methods for odontocetes and to develop new telemetry technology and attachment techniques that will advance researchers’ abilities to understand the impacts of anthropogenic sound on odontocetes, especially beaked whales. Goal 1 is to improve upon our existing remotely-deployed satellite tag attachment technique to achieve longer monitoring periods. The design concept will follow our current design of a miniature electronics package held outside the dorsal fin by small attachment darts that penetrate the fin but do not result in a significant adverse effect on the whale. Goal 2 is the development of a new satellite transmitter in a similarly small package capable of dorsal fin attachment but with enhanced capabilities to measure and transmit behavioral information such as dive depth. Our 3 goal is to modify existing technology for making physiological recordings and demonstrate its utility on beaked and pilot whales.