Sea Lions Assist in Uncovering Ocean Floor Mysteries

Aquatic Mystery Unveiled with the Help of Sea Lions

Across vast expanses of our oceans, an intriguing enigma continues to perplex marine scientists. “For the majority of the ocean, we lack knowledge about what lies on the seafloor,” stated Nathan Angelakis, a Ph.D. candidate at the South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences) and the University of Adelaide.

In a groundbreaking research initiative, Mr. Angelakis and his team enlisted the help of several unique assistants named Daphne, Phoebe, Iris, and Pasithea. These four sea lion companions, along with additional participants, donned underwater video cameras and dove into previously uncharted areas of the ocean floor off the southern coast of Australia. Their captivating footage revealed lush meadows of vibrant seaweeds, rugged rocks adorned with corals, and notably, the first-ever documentation of a mother Australian sea lion instructing her pup on hunting techniques.

The innovative approach of using sea lions to capture underwater footage provided a distinct advantage. Findings from this extraordinary endeavor were published on Wednesday in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science. Mr. Angelakis and his colleagues aspire that their findings will enhance scientists’ comprehension of how sea lions navigate and utilize diverse habitat spaces, guiding human efforts to manage these ecosystems effectively. This is particularly crucial for the conservation of the endangered Australian sea lions, ensuring that the environments they frequent remain protected.

Typically, scientists utilize remotely operated vehicles and cameras towed by underwater vessels to map seabed regions. However, these methods often present significant challenges and can be cost-prohibitive. Consequently, Mr. Angelakis and his team sought a novel approach to explore the remote aquatic ecosystems surrounding Kangaroo Island and Olive Island in Australia. They innovatively attached video cameras to the local sea lions, which routinely dive to depths of 300 feet while foraging for food.

With the necessary permissions from marine conservation authorities, Mr. Angelakis and his team approached the sea lions on land. They carefully administered a light sedative to the animals. While the sea lions were in a relaxed state, researchers affixed patches of synthetic wetsuit material, slightly larger than a credit card, to the backs and heads of the animals. Subsequently, small cameras along with devices to monitor both speed and location were attached, enabling the team to gather invaluable data from the depths of the ocean.