This project would advance the state of technology with respect to implantable satellite telemetry tags for cetaceans

This Cooperative Agreement, awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Unallied Science Program (CFDA 11.472), will advance the development of new generation, fully integrated, consolidated Argos satellite tags for monitoring cetaceans. The total award amount is $796,400.00, with a performance period from Aug 1, 2024 to Mar 31, 2027.

The key objectives of this project are to: 1) develop miniaturized, consolidated satellite tags; 2) assess the robustness and performance of these tags in both laboratory and field settings; 3) test and optimize the new ARTIC chip technology for future satellite transmitters; and 4) conduct follow-up studies to understand the effects of these tags on cetacean species.

As part of this project, the prime awardee, Foundation For Marine Ecology And Telemetry Research (Metr), will receive a sub-award of an undisclosed amount from Wildlife Computers, Inc., a minority-owned, woman-owned small business, to provide specialized satellite tags and tag development support.

The primary goal of this project is to develop new generation, fully integrated, consolidated argos satellite tags with miniaturized electronics, and provide information on potential health impacts via directed follow-up studies after tag deployments. Significant miniaturization of tag components is expected to tag performance and reduce potential risks for tagged individuals. This project will 1) develop a new generation of consolidated satellite tags; 2) assess the robustness of these tags in a laboratory setting; 3) assess the performance of these tags in comparison to other designs via field studies on surrogate species; 4) test and optimize the performance of the new artic chip that will be the standard for future satellite transmitters, and 5) develop follow-up studies to understand the effects of these tags relative to effects documented for existing designs. This effort would have broad impacts on narw science and management, providing the community with new satellite telemetry options and data by which to assess the potential impacts of these tags on cetacean species. Outputs from this research will help managers evaluate the potential utility of this technology to address questions regarding the distribution and movements of narws.