Researchers at the University of Hawaii are changing the way they study marine life. A new method allows scientists to attach suction-cup tags to humpback whales using drones, eliminating the need for boats and large poles.
Traditional tagging methods require researchers to approach whales using boats and long carbon fiber poles, which can cause significant stress for the animals. This new aerial approach allows the team to deploy tags from hundreds of meters away, making the process safer for both the whales and the crew.
During the February 2026 field season off the coast of Maui, the team successfully deployed 22 tags, including one on a calf. This distance-based deployment means scientists can now track whales they were previously unable to reach, providing better data for conservation and management efforts.
Lars Bejder, director of the Marine Mammal Research Program at UH, notes that this technology is a significant advancement for the field. By removing the pressure of close proximity, the researchers can gather critical information while keeping human impact on the animals at a minimum.