Meet the Sea Lions mapping the Sea Floor

Scientists in Australia are using sea lions to help map the ocean floor.

Eight female sea lions from two colonies were fitted with special cameras to record their underwater journeys. The cameras captured nearly 90 hours of video, revealing six different habitats in the waters of southern Australia.

Mapping these habitats is crucial for the conservation of endangered species like the Australian sea lion. Over the past 40 years, their population has decreased by 60%, and in 2021 they were officially classified as endangered. There are now only about 10,000 Australian sea lions left in the wild, spread across 80 breeding sites along Australia’s southern and western coasts.

Historically, sea lions were hunted for their fur and oil, but today they face new threats such as climate change and commercial fishing. They are the only seal species native to Australia, making their preservation even more important.

The research was conducted by scientists from The University of Adelaide and the South Australian Research and Development Institute. They chose female sea lions for the study because they return to shore to care for their pups. The lightweight cameras, equipped with satellite tracking, provided a unique view into the sea lions’ world.

Nathan Angelakis, one of the researchers, explained that the data is essential for mapping important habitats for the endangered Australian sea lion. It also helps scientists explore and document previously unknown areas of the seabed, aiding in broader conservation efforts.