Seals wearing tracking devices have been spotted in Atlantic Canada, sparking curiosity among locals and researchers about their behavior and habitat.
PEI: So, there’s been this cool thing happening off the coast of Atlantic Canada. People are spotting seals with what look like little yellow hats! Turns out, these aren’t just any hats; they’re tracking devices for a research study.
Shawn Norman, a local guy, was one of the first to see these tagged seals. He was just grabbing an evening coffee when he noticed a seal popping its head up. He couldn’t believe it at first! After zooming in with his camera, he saw the tag and snapped some photos to share online.
His post blew up, and soon he was in touch with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). They explained that the seals are part of a research program from Quebec. The DFO is working with Université de Sherbrooke on this project.
Research scientist Xavier Bordeleau shared that these tags help track the seals’ movements and behaviors. They’ve used red and yellow tags on 167 pups last year and plan to switch to orange and pink tags in spring 2025.
These tags are lightweight and designed to be gentle on the seals. Bordeleau reassured everyone that they’re not permanent and usually fall off after a few months. It’s a quick process to put them on, so the seals aren’t bothered too much.
Tonya Wimmer, who leads the Marine Animal Response Society, emphasized how important this study is for conservation. It helps researchers understand how seals use the ocean, which is crucial for protecting them.
The DFO is asking the public to report any sightings of these tagged seals. They want details like the tag color and location. This info helps them gather more data and learn even more about these fascinating creatures.
These little yellow hats are giving us a unique look into the lives of seals and how they navigate the ocean, which is pretty exciting for conservation efforts!
