Hi
New Zealand sea lions are currently caught in high numbers (150 animals in the 2005/06 fishing season) in squid trawl nets in the NZ sub-Antarctic. SLEDs (sea lion exclusion devices) are used within this fishery - however there is currently no effective underwater monitoring mechanisms in place to determine strike or escape rate. A video capable of filming at low light is currently being investigated - as are light sources - white, red and infra-red light.
None of these light sources have been tested on NZ sea lions to determine their degree of attraction / avoidance or neutrality. This email is to ask for information / ideas on wild seal/sea lion behavioural experiments that have tested reactions of animals to light sources both on land and in water and how to measure "reactions". Preferably not captive / feeding trials as there are no captive NZ sea lions in the world, however if you think it will help to design a study please send them through.
Thank you
Louise
Dr. B. Louise Chilvers
Marine Mammal Scientist
Marine Conservation Unit
Department of Conservation
P.O. Box 10-420
Wellington
Ph 04 4713073
Fax 04 4713041
Email lchilvers@doc.govt.nz