SeaTag-RC: A Remote Releasable Instrument Carrier for Marine Mammal Tagging

While tagging marine mammals with electronic data recorders is common, recovering the instruments or data remains problematic. This proposal develops a RRD (remote release device) using a multi-pronged strategy. Development is accelerated by engineering the design substantially from proven components in our design library, yielding a lab and field tested RRD prototype by the end of phase-1. In cooperation with UCSC, RRD prototypes will be placed on elephant seals for re-location excursions from Monterey to Ano Nuevo, a trip during which the animals dive extensively and to near the maximum 2000m depth rating of RRD. RRD will be a low-profile device measuring about 3”x4”x0.625”. We will test two release mechanisms, including a fusible link and a propellant wafer; both designs resulting in energetic release to clearly separate from the animal. Release is initiated by the transmission of a secure ID, and RRD acknowledges commands and provides a homing capability. Two power systems will be evaluated; one based on rechargeable or primary batteries, and another using ‘stored solar power’, in which photovoltaic cells are combined with aerogel capacitors (super capacitors) to store energy during the animal’s surface intervals. This may eliminate batteries and support ‘indefinite’ mission duration and device re-use.