Cetaceans
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Wildlife Computers tags have been used on both large and small cetaceans. These animals surface frequently but generally are not recaptured, nor do they return to predictable locations. Transmitting tags are therefore most appropriate for these species. For smaller species that can be restrained, we have developed a variety of fin-mounted configurations. For larger species, dart or harpoon attachment techniques have been developed by various researchers. We have produced highly-specialized custom-designed tags to fit individual project needs. In addition, we now offer tags utilizing Fast-GPS and pop-up technologies. Archival tags have also been used in cetacean research when mounted on a bouyant housing and attached by suction. The detached housings are then retrieved for data download. (Note: Not all types of tags are available in all configurations.)
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Wildlife Computers has incorporated Fastloc™ technology into an Argos-linked data recording tag in order to create a Fast-GPS tag. This tag addresses the difficulties inherent in deploying traditional GPS receivers on free-ranging marine animals which spend very little time at the surface. The ability to achieve highly accurate GPS locations, while requiring the tag antenna to be above the surface for less than one second, represents a major step forward in the ability to track marine animals.
The Fast-GPS tag (Mk10-AF) acquires the GPS signal snapshots, which can be completed in .008 seconds, and archives them along with depth and temperature data. On subsequent surfacing, a percentage of the summarized data and Fast-GPS snapshots are transmitted via the Argos system. Should the Mk10-AF tag be recovered, it yields the full archive of all Fast-GPS snapshots and sampled data.
Since the initial Mk10-AF, we have added the Fast-GPS capability to both standard archival (Mk10-F) and basic location-only Argos-linked tags (Mk10-AFB).
For more information on Fastloc™ technology, see Wildtrack Telemetry Systems.
Pop-up Archival Transmitting (PAT) tags are designed to track the large-scale movements and behavior of fish and other animals which do not spend enough time at the surface to allow the use of real-time satellite tags. As with traditional satellite tags, the PAT utilizes the Argos system for relaying summaries of the data collected. However, the data are transmitted at the end of the deployment when the tag detaches from the subject animal on a user-specified date.
Since PAT tags can yield data without the animal being recaptured, they offer a fisheries-independent means of tracking a target species. In addition, a full archival record is maintained in non-volatile memory. Thus, should the PAT be recovered, you will be able to retrieve the same detailed data as are collected by a conventional archival tag. A surprising number of PAT tags have been recovered by beachcombers and fisheries personnel.
The PAT tag is attached to the animal via a tether. Generally, the researcher determines the best tether design and attachment method.
While PAT tags have been used for a variety of applications, they were designed and are best-suited for medium to large fish. These tags are designed to transmit from an unobstructed ocean surface. Locations where overhanging reefs, kelp beds or marine debris occur may result in reduced transmitter performance. The anticipated deployment environment should be considered when evaluating the appropriateness of this technology. PAT tags have been successfully deployed on a variety of species, including tuna, marlin, and sharks, as well as swordfish and sea turtles.
Transmitting tags are used when studying how an animal moves through its environment. Data are available without recapturing your animal. Data on the animal's behavior and environment are collected by the tag, summarized, and transmitted to you via the Argos satellite system. Argos also provides the geographical position of the tag based on these transmissions.
The Argos system consists of data acquisition and relay equipment attached to the NOAA low-orbiting weather satellites and ground-based receivers and data processing systems. The Argos satellite equipment records the transmissions from our transmitting tags and later downloads these data back to earth. Service Argos, the organization which administers the Argos system, then processes these data and determines your tag's position. Your data and the Argos-calculated locations of the tag are sent to you via the internet or on monthly CDs. Wildlife Computers supplies analysis programs to help you decode, format and interpret the Argos-relayed data.
Transmitting tags have an antenna that must be wholly above the surface of the water for transmissions to occur. Each transmission takes approximately 0.5 to 1.0 second. An Argos satellite must receive at least three transmissions during a pass over the tag in order to calculate the tag's location. The Argos system is currently one-way. That is, the tag does not know if a transmission was received by the satellite or not. Therefore, many transmissions must be sent to increase the chance that at least three are received by an orbiting satellite during a pass. Satellite pass durations vary between 5 and 20 minutes, and Argos dictates that a tag may not transmit any faster than once every 45 seconds. Marine mammals and sea turtles are good study animals because they spend enough time at the surface breathing to allow sufficient transmissions to be made.
For a more detailed explanation of the Argos System and how it works, visit their website.
Satellite tags have been deployed on many marine animals, including seals and sea lions, sea turtles, cetaceans, penguins, polar bears and fishes. We have developed a variety of configurations to suit attachment to different study animals.
For fish and other animals that do not remain at the surface for long periods of time, we have developed a specialized transmitting tag called the Pop-up Archival Transmitting (PAT) tag. The PAT collects and stores data throughout its deployment. It releases itself from the animal and floats to the surface on a user-specified date. Data are then transmitted to the Argos system.
Smart Position or Temperature Transmitting Tag (SPOT5)
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The SPOT5 tag is our smallest Argos transmitter, other than the AC1 (which is designed for avian applications). It is designed specifically for the marine environment. The SPOT5 is available in a variety of shapes optimized for deployment on seals, turtles, large and small cetaceans, sharks and other fishes, penguins and large sea birds. The SPOT5’s size and weight also make it suitable for other non-marine applications.
Direct U.S. prices start at $1350 for the 3 x AAA back or head mount configuration. Please contact us for pricing on specific configurations.
Data-Collecting Argos (SPLASH) Tag
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The SPLASH is our data-collecting Argos satellite tag. This tag combines the sampling and detailed data storage functions of the Mk9 archival tag with the Wildlife Computers Cricket Argos transmitter. It includes sensors to measure depth, temperature, light level, and wet/dry periods (to determine surfacing). During the deployment, depth and temperature data are collected, analyzed, summarized, and compressed for transmission through the Argos satellites. Data throughput is maximized by flexible, user-programmable transmission regimes. 14 Mbytes of non-volatile memory are available for the archived data. The SPLASH tag must be recovered in order to retrieve the entire raw archived data set.
Direct U.S. prices start at $3300. Please contact us for pricing on specific configurations.
Mk10-A Data-Collecting Argos Tag
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The Mk10-A is a data-collecting Argos satellite tag, similar to the SPLASH tag. The difference is that this tag combines the sampling and detailed data storage functions of the Mk10 archival tag, rather than the Mk9, with the Wildlife Computers Cricket Argos transmitter. It includes sensors to measure depth, temperature, light level, and wet/dry periods (to determine surfacing). During the deployment, depth and temperature data are collected, analyzed, summarized, and compressed for transmission through the Argos satellites. Data throughput is maximized by flexible, user-programmable transmission regimes. At least 64 Mbytes of non-volatile memory are available for the archived data. The Mk10-A tag must be recovered in order to retrieve the entire raw archived data set.
Direct U.S. prices start at $3300. Please contact us for pricing on specific configurations.
Mk10-PAT Pop-up Archival Transmitting Tag
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Our Popup Archival Transmitting (Mk10-PAT) tag is a sophisticated combination of archival and Argos satellite technology. It is designed to track the large-scale movements and behavior of fish and other animals which do not spend enough time at the surface to allow the use of real-time Argos satellite tags.
The Mk10-PAT adds the Wildlife Computers Cricket Argos transmitter to the standard Mk10 archival tag. A bouyant body and a corrodible pin allows the release of the Mk10-PAT from the fish so data can be transmitted.
The standard Mk10-PAT direct U.S. price is $3500.