Seals wearing what look like small yellow \u201chats\u201d have been seen off the coasts of PEI, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, catching the attention of locals and researchers alike.<\/p>\n
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These unusual \u201chats\u201d are actually tracking devices used in a scientific study to monitor seal movement, behaviors and habitat use.<\/p>\n
Shawn Norman, a PEI resident, was one of the first to spot these tagged seals. \u201cI couldn\u2019t believe my eyes at first,\u201d he said. \u201cI stopped for an evening coffee, on the phone with my folks when I noticed a seal popped its head up. It was dusk so I zoomed in with my camera, that\u2019s when I noticed the tag on its head.\u201d<\/p>\n
Norman took some photos with his camera and shared them online, which quickly gained lots of attention.<\/p>\n
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After contacting the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), he learned the seal was part of a research program taking place in Quebec.<\/p>\n
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The DFO confirmed the tags were part of a collaboration between their department and Universite de Sherbrooke.<\/p>\n
Research scientist Xavier Bordeleau explained the purpose of the tags, which include both visual markers and transmitters that send data. \u201cThe devices give us information about the time they spend at sea and track where they venture,\u201d Bordeleau said.<\/p>\n
Last year, the team used red and yellow tags on 167 pups and recaptured 72 of them to track their progress. In spring 2025, they plan to use orange and pink tags.<\/p>\n
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