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Why do Argos satellite tags deployed on marine animals stop transmitting?

Hays, G., Bradshaw, Corey J. A., James, M., Lovell, P. and Sims, D. (2007). Why do Argos satellite tags deployed on marine animals stop transmitting?. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology,349(1):52-60.

Document type: Journal Article
Citation counts: Scopus Citation Count Cited 60 times in Scopus Article | Citations
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IRMA ID A00003xPUB55
Title Why do Argos satellite tags deployed on marine animals stop transmitting?
Author Hays, G.
Bradshaw, Corey J. A.
James, M.
Lovell, P.
Sims, D.
Journal Name Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology
Publication Date 2007
Volume Number 349
Issue Number 1
ISSN 0022-0981   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Scopus ID 2-s2.0-34547472656
Start Page 52
End Page 60
Total Pages 9
Place of Publication Netherlands
Publisher Elsevier Science
Field of Research 0602 - Ecology
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DEST)
Abstract Identifying the reasons for the loss of signals in satellite tracking studies is important for directing future improvements in transmitter technology and attachment systems, as well as defining the status of the tracked animals (alive or dead) at the end of the tracking period, which is integral to assessing survival rates through established methods. We highlight the importance of transmitted diagnostic data that reveal the status of a tag. We show in marine wildlife satellite tracking that the reasons behind transmitter signal loss can often be identified. Exhaustion of batteries, salt-water switch failure, antenna breakage, animal mortality and premature detachment of tags were all identified as causes of signal loss from transmitters routinely attached to turtles, fish and marine mammals. In principle, battery management systems should allow tracking of individuals for several years, even with existing transmitter technology, although in such long-term deployments in a marine setting, failure of the salt-water switch may persist as the Achilles heel of existing tags.
Keywords Argos
biofouling
instrumentation
radio tracking
seal
shark
tagging
tag failure
turtle
whale
sea turtles
dermochelys coriace
leatherback turtles
lepidochelys olivace
cetorhinus maximus
winer habitat
new zealand
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2007.04.016   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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