The Importance of Biologging: Tracking Marine Life with Sensors

Sensors attached to animals could gather valuable data to track and mitigate the effects of human activity on marine life, according to a paper by researchers at Japan’s Kobe University.

The review paper emphasizes the importance of integrating data from various sources and advocates for an “Internet of Animals” based on open access and shared standards.

The Need for Data Integration

Kobe University animal ecologist Iwata Takashi highlights the challenges faced in collecting comprehensive oceanographic data due to technological and economic constraints. Many observation gaps exist, particularly in inaccessible areas such as under sea ice or during harsh weather conditions. Understanding the impact of different factors on individual animals is crucial for developing targeted conservation policies.

Biologging for Environmental Insights

Biologging, the practice of attaching sensors, cameras, or other devices to wild animals, has proven valuable in studying both animal behavior and environmental conditions. The research team at Kobe University, led by Iwata, published a review in Water Biology and Security showcasing the insights gained from biologging data. This includes advancements in typhoon forecasting, understanding the impact of plastic waste on turtle species, combating illegal fishing, and optimizing offshore wind farms to be more bird-friendly.

Iwata emphasizes the importance of minimizing the impact on animals by keeping device weight below 3% of the animal’s body weight. Ongoing efforts focus on developing smaller and lighter devices for more efficient data collection.

Global Collaboration for Data Sharing

The full potential of biologging can only be realized through increased global collaboration and data sharing. Iwata and his coauthor from Waseda University advocate for integrating data across species, regions, and environmental contexts. Key challenges include global data availability and compatibility of recording standards. The Japanese research team calls for enhanced collaboration between researchers and data collection platforms to address these challenges.

By harnessing the power of biologging and promoting global cooperation, researchers can gain valuable insights into marine ecosystems and work towards ensuring the sustainability of marine life in the face of human impact.