Neurobiological and physiological measurements from free swimming marine mammals
Abstract
Bio-logging tags use a combination of sensors to collect direct measurements of 1 behavior as animals dive, but measurements of animal physiology are lacking. Non-invasive sensors, such as near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), developed for measuring metabolic activity of organs in humans, provide newopportunities for neurobiological research with marine mammals. Recent work by Dr. Chris McKnight has demonstrated the potential of using commercially available NIRS systems to measure oxygen management in a juvenile harbor seal. In the proposed study, we aim to develop an animal-borne NIRS system that can function on free-ranging small cetaceans. This tool will enable studies to investigate the physiological adaptations involved with diving and can be used to assess how stress, e.g. exposure to sound, alters physiology and diving capacity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912560
Entities
People
- Andreas Fahlman
Organizations
- Oceanogràfic
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy