Seals like a small yellow “hat” on the coast of PEI, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia have been worn, which attracts the attention of locals and researchers.
These unusual “hats” actually track devices used in a scientific study to monitor seal movement, behavior and residence use.
Shawn Norman, a PEI resident, was one of the first to find this tagged seal. “I couldn’t trust my eyes first,” he said. “I stayed with my people for evening coffee on the phone when I saw that a seal raised his head. It was evening so I zoomed in with my camera, only when I saw the tag on his head. “
Norman took some photos with his camera and shared it online, which caught attention very quickly.
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After contacting the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), he learned that Seal was part of the research program in Quebec.
The DFO confirmed that tags are part of the collaboration between their department and university D Sherbrook.
Research scientific Xavier Bordelue explained the purpose of the tags, including both visual markers and transmitters that send data. “Devices give us information about the time they spend in the sea and they give information about where they enter,” Bordelu said.
Last year, the team used a red and yellow tag on 167 cubs and re -captured 72 of them to track their progress. In spring 2025, they plan to use orange and pink tags.
Tags are made of lightweight plastic and designed to reduce the impact on animals. “It is a very minimal intervention. It may take a few minutes to apply and the tags usually close after a few months, “Bordelu explained, addressing concerns about whether the seals seal the natural behavior.
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“It’s not permanent,” he added.
Tonya Vimer, executive director of the Marine Animal Response Society, highlighted the importance of a study for defense efforts. “It’s really interesting to get the realization of how many sea they are using, and I think it is very useful to see in terms of their own defense and how they use accommodation,” she said.
The DFO encourages the public to report any scenario of tagged seals, including details such as the color, number and date of view of the tag. “Public reports help us collect more data and expand our understanding,” Bordelu said.
These “small yellow hats” give the seal a unique glimpse of life and how they navigate in the sea, paving the way for more aware protection and fishing efforts in the region.
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