23. Elephant Seals Can Be Scientists Too with Dr. Clive McMahon

Elephant seals are helping to map the Southern Ocean. These extraordinary deep-diving animals are helping scientists study the Southern Ocean in places humans can barely reach, especially during the Antarctic winter. In this episode, Dr. Clive McMahon explains how southern elephant seals carry ocean sensors that collect real-time data on temperature, salinity, depth, and ocean productivity. The conversation explores elephant seal behavior, population decline, climate change, Antarctic bottom water, and the role these animals play in improving oceanography, weather forecasting, and climate science. If you’re interested in Antarctica, marine biology, elephant seals, Southern Ocean research, ocean data, or how animals can contribute to science, this episode offers a fascinating look at wildlife as scientific collaborators.Episode Guest: Dr. Clive McMahonReview the research publication discussed in the episode hereVisit Dr. McMahon’s publications on Google Scholar Visit the website of the Sydney Institute of Marine SciencesEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela RuizFind some more Pine Forest Media podcasts belowListen to Oceanography on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple PodcastsListen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.