Scientists are constantly faced with the challenge of mapping the ocean floor, as much of it remains a mystery to us. Nathan Angelakis, a Ph.D. student at the South Australian Research and Development Institute, and his colleagues decided to enlist the help of some unlikely assistants – sea lions.
These sea lions, named Daphne, Phoebe, Iris, and Pasithea, were equipped with underwater video cameras and sent to explore parts of the ocean floor off Australia’s southern coast that had never been seen before. The footage they captured revealed stunning images of seaweed meadows, rocky corals, and even a mother sea lion teaching her pup how to hunt.
Unlike traditional methods of mapping the seabed using remote vehicles and towed cameras, the use of sea lions proved to be a more cost-effective and efficient way to explore these remote aquatic ecosystems. By attaching cameras to the backs and heads of the sea lions, researchers were able to gain valuable insights into how these marine mammals interact with their habitat.
The findings from this unique study were published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, shedding light on the importance of understanding how sea lions use different habitat spaces. This information is crucial for conservation efforts, especially for endangered species like the Australian sea lion.
By enlisting the help of these sea lions, scientists were able to explore parts of the ocean floor that would have otherwise remained hidden. This innovative approach to mapping underwater ecosystems has opened up new possibilities for research and conservation efforts in the future.
