The tags on the seals head are attached with non-reactive glue that causes no pain or discomfort for the seal. Because these seals usually move around a common “nesting” beach it is easy to retrieve the tags from the seals when they return to land and also remove the glue. We also know that the tags have a minimal effect on the seal as they behave the same as untagged seals. I am unsure on the critter cam but I know they are very light weight. The critter cam only has a small deployment time (a few hours) before it is removed.Again it is not uncomfortable as attachment of the cam is via soft strapping. The footage retrieved from the cameras would also suggest no deleterious effects to movement as they can be seen swimming with other penguins and foraging as usual.

Cameras can remain attached from anywhere between a few hours to a few years depending on the animal and the tag. There are some satellite tags that have been attached to tiger and white sharks for over 2 years. The bolts that are used to attach tags to fin fish will corrode in seawater after a certain time.

Tags sometimes fail and that is just a risk. As these tags have become more advanced, this now happens less often. Tags typically fail due to salt-water-switch failing, tether erosion and biofouling, all of which can be accounted for in newer designs. Some of the tags can cost £1000’s, but knowing the extent of animal migrations is fundamental for conservation and management efforts.

It may seem obtrusive to the animals to do such study, but that is why I wanted to write a piece on this, hoping it work spark discussions just like this. The scientists working on these animals are usually some of the most passionate. I know in my experience in tagging sharks, the health of the sharks is always the most important thing. If an animal ever looks distressed or in danger, the science is aborted and the animal is released. Without these sorts of studies, it would be impossible to protect them.