New approach to diving behaviour of aquatic animals using bio-logging system

Abstract

Bio-logging system has been an important tool in the study of the diving behaviour and ecological study of aquatic animals, and the physical and chemical environment in the ocean. New digital technology has contributed to the development of more effective devices with smaller size, higher efficiency, larger capacity, and lower energy consumption. Bio-logging system using these devices can provide information about the behaviour of aquatic animals and their environmental condition which is becoming essential to effective conservation of the marine ecosystem and the marine biodiversity. This technology is also providing information useful for the long-term weather forecasting and global climate change of marine environment. The Ocean Research Institute of the University of Tokyo is establishing the well-organized research program "Bio-logging Science" with cooperation of domestic and international institutes. This program is also technically supported by Japanese companies such as the Little Leonard Cooperation. This program is composed of the following main ten items; (1) study of diving behaviour of aquatic animals (whales, seals, sea turtles, fishes, sea birds, etc.), (2) study of social behaviour of aquatic animals, (3) physiological study of aquatic animals, (4) study of bio-mechanics, (5) environmental study in marine ecosystem, (6) device development and system development, (7) making data-base of biological and oceanographic information, (8) establishing network of "Bio-logging Science", (9) providing public information on diving behaviour of aquatic animals and their environmental condition, and (10) promotion for scientific activities of young scientists.