Elephant seals off B.C. coast used sonar equipment as ‘dinner bell’: Researchers

The research observatory operated by Ocean Networks Canada in the Barkley Canyon was conducting unrelated research on the effects of light and bait on fish and invertebrate behaviour.

But when video of the site was reviewed, the surprised researchers saw at least eight elephant seals repeatedly visiting the site to hunt, suggesting they used the sonar to locate the area.

Frouin-Mouy said when scientists turned to her for help after finding some “unusual encounters” with the seals, she was excited about the discovery.

Male adolescent seals were also captured on video “power napping” on the sea floor, “another new and never-before-seen behaviour,” the university statement said.

Frouin-Mouy said the seals were not disturbed by the sonar unit when its light turned on, and one of the animals even napped nearby for more than eight minutes.

Eight male elephant seals were identified between June 2022 and May 2023, and individuals were identified based on body marks or scars as well as their “eyeliner cues,” the study said.

Frouin-Mouy said she named the eight seals after her favourite group, The Beach Boys, and her favourite one is called Mike, who frequents the research site hunting for food.

The study was conducted in 2022 and 2023 and published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS ONE on Wednesday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2024.

Nono Shen, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Elephant seals off B.C. coast used sonar equipment as ‘dinner bell’: Researchers

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