Seals bearing what looks like small yellow “hats” have been seen off the coasts of the PEI, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, attracting the attention of the inhabitants and researchers.
These unusual “hats” are in fact markers used in a scientific study to monitor the movements of the seal, behaviors and the use of habitat.
Shawn Norman, an EPI resident, was one of the first to spot these marked seals. “I couldn’t believe my eyes at first,” he said. “I stopped for an evening coffee, on the phone with my parents when I noticed that a seal brought out my head. It was twilight, so I zoomed out with my camera, that’s when I noticed the tag on his head. »»
Norman took some photos with his phone and shared them online, which quickly caught attention.
After having contacted the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), he learned that the seal was part of an ongoing research program in Quebec.
The MPO confirmed that labels were part of a collaboration between their department and the University of Sherbrooke.
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The researcher, Xavier Bordeleau, explained the goal of the “hat” labels, which are used as visual markers.
Last year, the team used red and yellow labels on 167 puppies and recapped 72 of them to follow their progress. In the spring of 2025, they plan to use orange and pink labels.
The labels are made from light biodegradable plastic and are designed to minimize the impact on animals. “It is a fairly minimal intervention. It takes a few minutes to set up and the labels fall normally after a few months, “said Bordeleau, responding to concerns as to whether the devices hinder the natural behavior of the seals.
“It’s not permanent,” he added.
Meanwhile, some seals are also equipped with transmitters that send data. “The devices give us information about the time they spend at sea and see where they venture,” said Bordeleau.
Tonya Wimmer, executive director of the Navy Animal Response Society, stressed the importance of studying conservation efforts. “It is really interesting to be felt how much the ocean really uses, and I think it is very useful in terms of protection and to see how they use habitat,” she said .
The MPO encourages the public to report any observation of marked seals, including details such as color, tag number and date and location of the observation. “Public reports help us collect even more data and extend our understanding,” said Bordeleau.
These “small yellow hats” offer a unique overview of the life of seals and the way they sail in the ocean, paving the way for more informed conservation and fishing efforts in the region.
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