Changing Perspectives in Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Using Animal-Borne Imaging

The use of animal-borne imaging devices on the endangered Hawaiian monk seal has greatly helped understand where and how they forage. Those devices provide high-resolution data on the behavior, foraging habitat, and prey of seals, and the ecological community where they live. They have indicated that some monk seals regularly forage in mesophotic (100-300 m) and subphotic (>300 m) habitats rather than just in shallow reef habitats. The collected imagery is also helping to guide the development of further research, conservation, and management plans. Use of animal-borne imaging has resulted in substantial progress in understanding the foraging landscape of monk seals. Any refinements in this technology will certainly inform further population recovery efforts.