Seals donning tiny yellow “caps” have been spotted near the shores of PEI, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, piquing the curiosity of both locals and scientists. These odd “caps” are in fact tracking devices used in a scientific research to observe seal movement, habits, and habitat utilization.
A resident of PEI, Shawn Norman, was among the first to spot these tagged seals. “I was taken aback at first,” he narrated. “I had halted for an evening coffee, chatting with my parents over the phone when I noticed a seal popping its head up. It was twilight, so I zoomed in with my camera and that’s when I saw the tag on its head.”
Norman captured some images with his camera and posted them online, which rapidly garnered a lot of attention.
The DFO confirmed that the tags were part of a joint project with Universite de Sherbrooke. Research scientist Xavier Bordeleau clarified the purpose of the tags, which include both visual markers and transmitters that transmit data. “The devices provide us with details about how long they stay at sea and track their journey,” Bordeleau stated.
Last year, the team tagged 167 pups with red and yellow markers and recaptured 72 of them to monitor their development. In spring 2025, they plan to use orange and pink tags.
Bordeleau emphasized that the tags, made of lightweight plastic, are designed to have minimal impact on the seals. “It’s a very minimal intervention. It takes a couple of minutes to attach, and the tags usually fall off after a few months,” Bordeleau explained, addressing concerns about whether the devices interfere with the seals’ natural behavior.
“It’s not permanent,” he added.
Tonya Wimmer, executive director of the Marine Animal Response Society, underscored the significance of the study for conservation initiatives. “It’s truly fascinating to understand how much of the ocean they actually use, and I think that’s quite useful in terms of their own protection and understanding their habitat utilization,” she expressed.
The DFO urges the public to report any sightings of tagged seals, including details like the tag’s color, number, and the date and location of the sighting. “Public reports assist us in collecting even more data and broadening our knowledge,” Bordeleau stated.
These “tiny yellow caps” offer a distinctive insight into the lives of seals and their ocean navigation patterns, laying the groundwork for more informed conservation and fishery efforts in the area.
