This footage was filmed and produced 16 April 2024.

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In a landmark advancement for marine research, scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking tagging method poised to revolutionize the tracking of marine species. The innovative technique, known as the Bioadhesive Interface for Marine Sensors (BIMS), promises a non-invasive and versatile approach to attaching sensors to a diverse array of marine animals, including soft and fragile species that were previously challenging to monitor.

Traditional tagging methods, relying on invasive physical anchors and rigid glues, often fall short when applied to delicate marine species like squid and jellyfish. However, the newly developed BIMS offers a rapid and effective alternative, as detailed in a recent journal article co-authored by researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and collaborating organizations.

The key to BIMS's efficacy lies in its unique composition - a thin layer of dried-hydrogel adhesive engineered to form robust bonds with animal tissues while swiftly absorbing seawater. This adhesive layer facilitates the attachment of sensors to marine species in under 20 seconds, significantly reducing stress on the animals and minimizing disruption to their natural behaviors.

Extensive testing, conducted with ethical approval, demonstrated BIMS's versatility and durability across various species, including squid, skate, flounder, and lobster. Trials conducted at WHOI's Environmental Systems Laboratory and field tests in the Azores Islands, Portugal, confirmed BIMS's ability to remain affixed to fragile aquatic animals for up to three days, facilitating long-term behavior monitoring.

As the scientific community embraces this groundbreaking technology, the future of marine research shines brighter, offering unprecedented opportunities to unlock the mysteries of the ocean and safeguard its delicate ecosystems.