The evolution of satellite-monitored radio tags for large whales: One laboratory's experience

摘要: Abstract Despite several centuries of whaling and directed research, there are only a few whale stocks whose year-round whereabouts reasonably well known. For the vast majority depleted populations, link between seasonal feeding breeding concentrations remains unknown. This lack information on range, distribution, stock structure, migration routes makes it difficult to design implement effective conservation measures promote recovery. The use such would have been valuable develop stock-specific quotas for whaling, but now may be even more important recovery identifying anthropogenic threats throughout stock's range. Building upon preliminary findings Discovery tags recent photo identification studies, satellite-monitored radio providing range distribution many large whales. These parameters better estimate population abundance, characterize habitats, identify recovery, protection when needed. paper traces one laboratory's experience with development tag technology whales, including attachment mechanisms delivery systems, in hope that others will profit from our successes mistakes. Selected examples used demonstrate how contribute new insights about whales’ migrations, behaviour, management.