23. Elephant Seals Can Be Scientists Too

Elephant seals collect data beneath the Southern Ocean. Dr. Clive McMahon explains how researchers equip southern elephant seals with miniature conductivity, temperature, and depth sensors. As the seals dive and travel through remote waters that are difficult to observe, especially during winter, the animal-borne sensors collect information about temperature, salinity, depth, and ocean productivity before transmitting observations by satellite. The data help scientists study elephant seal tracking, foraging, body condition, and population change while improving Southern Ocean monitoring. They also reveal physical processes connected to Antarctic dense water, global ocean circulation, weather, and climate.

Episode Guest: Dr. Clive McMahon

Review the research publication discussed in the episode here

Visit Dr. McMahon’s publications on Google Scholar 

Visit the website of the Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences

Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

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Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 

Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 

Theme music by Nela Ruiz

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Listen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

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