Australia - August 06, 2024

[Credit: Angelakis et al. 2024]

In a groundbreaking exploration effort, scientists in Australia have tapped into the underwater adventures of endangered Australian sea lions to map previously unknown benthic habitats. Equipped with lightweight cameras, eight adult female sea lions from Olive Island and Seal Bay colonies ventured into the depths of the southern Australian continental shelf, capturing 89 hours of revealing footage.

Published in Frontiers in Marine Science, the study utilized animal-borne video and tracking data to identify six distinct benthic habitats, including macroalgae reefs, sponge/sand environments, and invertebrate reefs. This innovative approach, funded by The Australian Government and The Ecological Society of Australia, aimed not only to map critical habitats for sea lions but also to expand our understanding of unexplored seabed regions spanning over 5,000 square kilometers.

PhD student Nathan Angelakis from The University of Adelaide and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences) emphasized the efficiency and effectiveness of using sea lions as exploration tools. The study marks a significant leap in marine science, providing valuable insights into ocean habitats crucial for conservation efforts and offering a cost-effective method for future marine mapping endeavors.

By harnessing the natural behavior of sea lions, researchers hope to further unravel the complexities of seabed ecosystems and contribute to the preservation of endangered species amid changing environmental conditions.