Sea Lions Equipped with Cameras Reveal Unmapped Ocean Habitats

Australian researchers use sea lions to capture unique underwater footage, aiding conservation efforts and habitat mapping.

Eight female sea lions were fitted with lightweight cameras and GPS trackers to document seafloor environments.
The footage revealed six previously unmapped benthic habitats across 5,000 square kilometers of the southern Australian continental shelf.
This innovative method offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional underwater exploration techniques.
The study provides critical data for the conservation of the endangered Australian sea lion and other marine species.
Researchers used the video data to develop predictive models for seafloor habitats, enhancing future marine research.