Exploration of the oceans due to sensors located in some marine animals
Summary:
Twenty researchers from around the world are in the Oceanogràfic of Valencia, experimenting with a new generation of sensors that, coupled with marine animals (such as dolphins, sharks, turtles or crustaceans) will allow a thorough exploration of the health of the seas and the movement of animals. Sensors will go on the back or fins and, of course, will not affect the animal's health or way of life. Sensors collect information on water temperature, pressure and salinity, or multiple other aspects of animal health or behavior. Equipped with a data microchip, a processor and a minibattery, they will have a transmission system (microwave, optical transmission...) that will transfer the information to' antenna fields' located on the sea surface to be studied and evaluated.
Problems such as high water pressure, corrosion or the growth of microbial films on sensors have already been solved.
Link:
Publication date:
01/02/18
Scientific field:
Zoology.
Glossary:
Optical transmission:The amount of light that passes through a laboratory specimen. It can be used to measure the concentration of components in the specimen.
Microwave: An electromagnetic wave with a wavelength in the range 0.001–0.3 m, shorter than that of a normal radio wave but longer than those of infrared radiation.
Corrosion: A natural process, which converts a refined metal to a more chemically-stable form, such as its oxide, hydroxide, or sulfide.
Microbial films: A complex structure adhering to surfaces that are regularly in contact with water, consisting of colonies of bacteria and usually other microorganisms such as yeasts, fungi, and protozoa that secrete a mucilaginous protective coating in which they are encased.
Analysis comment:
From my point of view, I think this project is a very good idea that would allow us to make great discoveries about what is found in the seas and oceans, that is, to get the viewpoint of the marine interior from some of the living beings that inhabit it. This is very important because much of the ocean is totally unknown to humans, and I believe that this initiative would help a great deal to become aware of what is missing from us and even to make progress on it.
Apart from knowing more about aspects such as sea pressure and salinity, I think the most interesting thing is to find out more information about the behaviour of animals. We have been able to observe their behaviour in zoos and aquariums, but it is more difficult to do so in captivity.
However, I am concerned about the health of aquatic animals carrying this microchip, and I hope that, as the article promises, they will not be affected in any way by wearing it.
In my opinion, projects like this one are necessary because they help us to broaden our knowledge on topics of this kind, both interesting and hidden.
Apart from knowing more about aspects such as sea pressure and salinity, I think the most interesting thing is to find out more information about the behaviour of animals. We have been able to observe their behaviour in zoos and aquariums, but it is more difficult to do so in captivity.
However, I am concerned about the health of aquatic animals carrying this microchip, and I hope that, as the article promises, they will not be affected in any way by wearing it.
In my opinion, projects like this one are necessary because they help us to broaden our knowledge on topics of this kind, both interesting and hidden.
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