1. Weddell World: Dive Paths of Weddell Seals
Kiersten Madden
Fall 2002
CE 394

2. The Weddell Seal Large, predatory marine mammals
3 meters long, kg
Adapted to hunt in shore-fast and pack ice habitats of Antarctica
Normally dives are less than 25 minutes long
Variety of prey (narrow range in Antarctica)

3. Weddell World

4. The Project
Investigate the behavioral and energetic adaptations that enable seals to dive in fast-ice
Examine the underwater behavior, locomotor performance, and energy metabolism during foraging
Previous technology has made it difficult to study
Attach a small video system and data logger
Seals are released from an isolated ice hole

5. Video System and Data Logger
Video Images
Time
Depth
Swimming Speed (using a Flowmeter)
Bearing
Water Temperature
Stomach Temperature
Ambient Sound

6. 3-dimensional Dive Path Oops! Why is the seal diving up?

7. Seal 16: Normal Dive Path

8. Seal 16: She caught a fish!

9. Seal 16: She caught another fish!

10. Adding Animation

11. Conclusions
3-dimensional dive paths combined with video are a very effective method for studying the predatory behaviors of seals
Prolonged gliding occurred in dives exceeding 80 meters
Reduces the energetic costs of diving
Vision is most important to the seal’s hunting ability
Uses backlighting to help visualize prey

12. Future Endeavors Add animation to the dive paths Mapping Weddell World
Apply to the Stellar Sea Lions of Alaska

13. Acknowledgements
Lee Fuiman, University of Texas, Marine Science Institute
Terrie Williams, University of California, Santa Cruz, Department of Biology
Venkatesh Merwade