Retrieving the device
Monarch brings her migration record back
“We were so excited when we figured out it was her,” said Associate Professor Liwanag. “She is the first seal to demonstrate that weanlings can go as far as Alaska, which we did not expect.”
Retrieving the data collection devices
The Cal Poly researchers pulled together a team to retrieve the devices on Monarch’s head and back. Master’s student Katie Saenger led the team, since Monarch is part of her thesis project. Liwanag and graduate student Maria Lopez-Neri joined her, along with veterinarian Heather Harris and veterinary technician Lauren Campbell from The Marine Mammal Center, and Vandenberg biologists Rhys Evans, Nick Todd, and Zia Walton.
1. One of the satellite tag deployment teams, at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Left to right: Molly Murphy (Cal Poly graduate student), Katie Saenger (Cal Poly graduate student), Kate Riordan (Cal Poly MS graduate), Dr. Heather Harris (TMMC), Liz Eby (TMMC), Dr. Heather Liwanag (Cal Poly), Lauren Campbell (TMMC), Elise Fiskum (Cal Poly undergraduate), Kenzie Davidson (Cal Poly graduate student), Rhys Evans (Biologist, Vandenberg Space Force Base), Jenna Camargo (Cal Poly undergraduate). Photo by Dave Clendenen.
“Accessing the beach at Vandenberg is always an adventure,” Liwanag said.
Todd is an experienced climber, skills he uses as an ornithologist specializing in falcons. He guided the group in setting up a rope to help them climb the bluff to the beach.
“The last part is especially steep, and it's best to move down backward -- not quite rappelling, but definitely not just hiking,” Liwanag said. “It is a challenge to get our team and all our gear down the hill (and back up!), especially with our heavy weighing gear.”
Photo by Molly Murphy
Weighing a seal involves a tripod with a scale. The seal is lifted in a tarp to be weighed. Nothing involving elephant seals is easy.
On the beach with the seal, The Marine Mammal Center veterinary team, Harris and Campbell, administered the sedative and monitored the seal while she was sedated during the tag removal. The amount of sedative needed is based on the seal’s weight. Monarch was cooperative enough that the team could weigh her before they gave her the injection. A safe dose calms the animal to allow researchers to handle her safely, without endangering the seal. It’s a delicate balance.
The zip ties were cut. Success! Devices in hand.
Katie Saenger with Monarch and the data recording device. Photo by Heather Liwanag, Photo taken under NMFS permit 27514.