Markus Horning and Seal 29

Dear Friend,

I’ve been watching the Weddel World scientists work. Here’s Markus Horning, an expert on diving animals. He’s carefully attaching one of several scientific instruments to Seal 29. The seal will wear the instruments in the ocean for a few days, then the scientists will remove them or they’ll fall off. A video camera, which fits on Seal 29’s head, lets us see what the seal sees when it hunts. The other instruments will collect data about the seal’s speed, depth, time underwater, and other important information—all to help us learn more about this unique and beautiful creature.

Marine mammals enjoy special protection in the United States. Research on marine mammals (including photography) within U.S. jurisdictions or when based at a U.S. institution requires a permit under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act. Bob Marstall, who took this photo, is listed on Dr. Randall Davis's permit, which is Marine Mammal Permit #821-1588-01.

Your friend,

Bob