Modified drones stuck tracking tags on whales using a new method to minimise disturbance to the marine animals.

Footage taken in Dominica shows the waterproof aerial machines swooping down and briefly touching a whale's back to attach a suction-based tag before quickly retreating.

Researchers said the 'tap-and-go' method, which has a success rate of more than 55 per cent, drastically reduces the time and complexity of traditional tagging, which requires boats to approach whales closely with long poles.

They said: 'The tap-and-go technique allows us to gather high-resolution data while avoiding stress to the whales.'

The tags collect data on bioacoustics, heart rate, dive depth, and body orientation. Once attached, they transmit data for hours or days and are later recovered for analysis.

Experts said the breakthrough offers a safer and more efficient way to collect data on the cetaceans without stressing them.