New study by marine biologists reports that seals can essentially act as ‘smart sensors’ for monitoring fish populations in the ocean’s eerily dim ‘twilight zone’ This is the layer of water between 200 and 1,000 meters below sea level, where sunlight penetration all but stops, and which today’s ocean monitoring tools cannot easily reach. Because this is also where the seals feed, seals whose foraging success is tracked can provide a previously impossible way to measure the availability of fish populations across a vast ocean. Humans are considering harvesting these fish populations to satisfy humanity’s ever-increasing need for protein-rich foods. The study will be published in the cover story for Science on February 14, and is being led by marine biologist Roxanne Beltran at the University of California, Santa Cruz. For confidential support on suicide matters call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details. In the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255.
New study by marine biologists reports that seals can essent….
