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Sattelite Tagged Seals
Biologists working with the Riverhead Foundation for Marine research and Preservation are using satellite technology to track the movement of seven seals rehabilitated and released by the Foundation's Marine Mammal Rescue Program. On April 13, 2003, the rescue program equipped the first of seven juvenile seals with a 10-ounce satellite tag known as Smart Position Only Tag (SPOT2). Satellite tags such as the SPOT2 are the most recent advancement of scientific technology focused on monitoring animals from a distance and obtaining information about their life histories including their long and short-term movements, diving behaviors, and characteristics of their habitats.
The National Marine Fisheries Service John H. Prescott Rescue Assistance Grant Program provided funds for the purchase of seven wildlife (SPOT2) position and temperature satellite tags and four wildlife data collecting satellite tags (SDR-T16). The focus of this multi-year project is to assess existing rehabilitation treatment protocols through the use of post release monitoring with satellite tagging of seals rescued and rehabilitated by the Riverhead Foundation. Post release tracking with satellite tags will enable the Riverhead Foundation’s biologists to monitor rehabilitated seals as they migrate north from the waters of New York to Canadian and Greenlandic waters.
"SUNNY"
The Riverhead Foundation was fortunate enough to house a special guest from SeaWorld Orlando.
“Sunny”, a juvenile harbor seal, was rescued on February 28th, 2004, on New Symrna Beach on the east coast of Florida where he was initially discovered by Volusia County lifeguards. SeaWorld’s rescue and rehabilitation team responded to this unusual stranding and transported Sunny to the park’s rehabilitation facility. Sunny underwent a complete physical examination conducted by the staff veterinarians. Sunny’s mouth and flippers were marked by abrasions; he was lethargic and emaciated weighing barely 40 lbs. Sunny was immediately placed on antibiotics and administered fluids to counteract dehydration. His condition was critical.
Sunny’s health was improving quickly under the care of SeaWorld’s veterinarians and animal care staff. After a long period of rehabilitation Sunny has been deemed fit for release by SeaWorld’s veterinary staff.
Harbor seals are not usually found in Florida, and the decision was made to transport Sunny to New York for release. A team of three SeaWorld staff members - Dr. Beth Chittick, Britt Malott, and Matt McHarness - drove up to Riverhead, NY, with Sunny. He arrived at the Riverhead Foundation on Sunday morning and was released into the Shinnecock Bay the following day, November 1, 2004, with a satellite tag attached to its fur.
The following pictures are of Sunny and his release.
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