Скачать или смотреть Foraging the deep: Northern elephant seals use sonar to find food

Northern elephant seals were repeatedly captured on camera in the deep Pacific Ocean using sonar from an Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) observatory as a dinner bell to forage for their next fish feast, according to a new study by a University of Victoria visiting scientist.

The research study published in the peer-reviewed PLOS ONE journal provides a unique first-ever visual glimpse into the elusive mammal’s deep sea underwater behaviours, with a focus on their sophisticated feeding strategies, prey preferences as well as resting habits.

Altogether, at least eight male elephant seals, ages four to seven, were observed on camera and detected by hydrophones during multiple visits to the 645-metre-deep research site at Barkley Canyon along ONC’s subsea cabled observatory NEPTUNE off the British Columbia west coast between 2022 and 2023.

The findings came almost by chance; UVic, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar, a Barcelona-based research institut, and ONC researchers were studying the effects of light and bait on fish and invertebrate behaviour at Barkley Canyon, using a high-definition camera, acoustic imaging sonar, hydrophone, pair of LED lights, and automatic bait release. But a review of the camera, acoustic images and sound data revealed the surprise visitors.

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