Japanese researchers T. Iwata and T. Akamatsu from Kobe University have introduced and promoted the concept of biologging. This approach, which is based on the Lagrangian observation method, involves using animal-borne devices to investigate marine life and their environments. It assigns a coordinate system to each animal, allowing researchers to track their movements and behaviors. Moreover, unlike traditional observation platforms, biologging provides unique insights into the ocean by filling gaps in data collection.
Bridging the Data Gap Through Biologging: How Animal-Borne Sensors Can Address Marine Environmental Issues
Understanding Biologging and Its Advantages
The method involves attaching small devices to marine animals to collect data on their behavior, physiology, and surrounding environments. These devices can track temperature, depth, and even the presence of pollutants. The overall method complements other observation platforms like drifting buoys and satellites. This combination enhances the accuracy of ocean models and helps researchers understand complex marine ecosystems.
One of the key advantages of biologging is its ability to access hard-to-reach areas. For example, animals like seals and turtles can travel under sea ice or during harsh weather conditions, thereby providing researchers with data that would otherwise be unavailable or harder to obtain. This makes biologging a more efficient and cost-effective tool for studying ocean warming, marine pollution, and the impact of human activities on marine life.
Addressing Marine Issues Through Biologging
Biologging has the potential to address several pressing marine environmental issues. Data from tagged animals can improve weather forecasting by providing real-time atmospheric information. It can also help track the movement of marine debris and its impact on marine species. Below are specific examples of its applications:
• Examining Ocean Warming: Researchers can gather data on temperature changes in different ocean layers by tracking marine animals
• Weather Forecasting: Animals like seabirds and marine mammals can provide data on atmospheric conditions, improving the accuracy of weather predictions.
• Tracking Marine Debris: Sensors can help track how marine animals interact with plastic waste, providing insights into the impact of pollution.
• Marine Chemical Pollution: Animals can act as bioindicators and pinpoint or reveal the presence of harmful chemicals in the ocean.
• Monitoring Protected Areas: The method can also help monitor existing conservation efforts by tracking animal movements within protected zones.
• Anthropogenic Noise: Devices can measure noise levels. This can help in assessing the impact of human activities like shipping and construction.
• Tracking Illegal Fishing: Tagged animals can collect data that can determine areas where bycatch is prevalent. This complements fisheries management.
Iwata and Akamatsu also discussed the ethical considerations of biologging. They noted that they are aiming to minimize the impact on animals by keeping the weight of the devices to less than 3 percent of the body weight of the selected animal species. This ensures that the devices do not interfere with the natural behavior of animals.
Toward the Proposed Internet of Animals
The concept called the Internet of Animals is a promising development in marine research which is inspired by the Internet of Things. It envisions a network where data from animal-borne devices is shared openly. This would allow researchers to access a wealth of information from previously inaccessible ocean areas. Open data access is crucial for advancing marine science and developing effective ocean management policies.
It is worth mentioning that developing and implementing the Internet of Animals requires an expansive global collaboration and standardized data collection methods. Researchers and institutions must work together to ensure that data from different species and regions is compatible. This will enable the integration of biologging data with other observation platforms to enhance the understanding of marine ecosystems.
FURTHER READING AND REFERENCE
- Iwata, T. and Akamatsu, T. 2025. “Biologging as a Potential Platform for Resolving Ocean Environmental Issues and Threats: Towards the Development of the Internet of Animals. In Water Biology and Security. 100383. Elsevier BV. DOI: 1016/j.watbs.2025.100383