Overview

• Researchers from Swansea and Deakin Universities studied swim depths of marine mammals, birds, and reptiles across six institutions in five countries.
• Marine animals consistently swim at depths around three times their body diameter to minimize wave drag and energy expenditure.
• The study used advanced tracking technologies, including animal-borne cameras and satellite data, to measure swim depths with high precision.
• This depth optimization was observed during non-foraging activities, such as commuting to feeding areas or long-distance migrations.
• The findings highlight a shared energy-saving strategy across diverse species, ranging in size from little penguins to humpback whales.