Yes, I got the opportunity to join some scientists doing research on Weddell seals. First, I must state the permit numbers authorizing us to interact with the animals, something not generally allowed. They are NMFS permit # 1034-1854-00 to M. Horning and ACA permit # 2007-007 to M. Horning. The principal investigator for the project requested we do that. He's an awfully nice guy, to boot. He teaches in Oregon but used to teach at Texas A&M. Go figure.
This is my favorite. We did not approach this mom and her pup; in fact, we stayed away from all the newborns. However, I was able to zoom in rather well from where we were working. We were checking tags on the tail flippers of various seals, which did require that we get right up to them.
You may not see it very well on this shot, but this seal -- named Felicia -- has several monitors attached to her back. Here, Markus and Millie are "walking" her up to an area where their teammates removed the monitors and took some blood and tissue samples. Felicia's contribution to science was done.
This is my favorite. We did not approach this mom and her pup; in fact, we stayed away from all the newborns. However, I was able to zoom in rather well from where we were working. We were checking tags on the tail flippers of various seals, which did require that we get right up to them.
You may not see it very well on this shot, but this seal -- named Felicia -- has several monitors attached to her back. Here, Markus and Millie are "walking" her up to an area where their teammates removed the monitors and took some blood and tissue samples. Felicia's contribution to science was done.
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