HONOLULU (KHON2) — Marine mammals like whales would traditionally be tagged with a seven-meter carbon fiber pole and approached using a boat, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa said. Now, scientists can track the animals in a new, less invasive way.
In a press release, UH said the method involves “deploying noninvasive suction-cup tags onto humpback whales using drones.”
With this method, tags can be deployed from hundreds of meters away. Scientists said it’s a safer system for both animals and researchers.
“It’s a complete game changer, and it makes me feel comfortable. We’re putting less pressure on the animals. We don’t have to get close to them,” said Lars Bejder, director of the Marine Mammal Research Program…