Elephant Seals Can Be Scientists Too

Elephant seals are helping map the Southern Ocean. This week on Oceanography, we’re sharing a special crossover episode from South Pole, another Pine Forest Media series focused on Antarctic science and research. In this episode, Dr. Clive McMahon explains how southern elephant seals are being equipped with ocean sensors to collect real-time data in one of the most remote and extreme environments on Earth. These deep-diving animals gather information on temperature, salinity, depth, and ocean productivity; especially during the Antarctic winter, when human access is nearly impossible. The conversation explores elephant seal behavior, population decline, Antarctic bottom water, and how animal-borne data is advancing oceanography, climate science, and weather forecasting. A fascinating look at how marine life is contributing directly to scientific discovery.

If you enjoy this episode, you can find more from South Pole, a series dedicated to the science of Antarctica, on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or all major platforms.

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Episode Guest: Dr. Clive McMahon

Review the research publication discussed in the episode here

Visit Dr. McMahon’s publications on Google Scholar

Visit the website of the Sydney Institute of Marine Sciences

Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website

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Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese

Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong.

Theme music by Nela Ruiz

Find some more Pine Forest Media podcasts below

Listen to Oceanography on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

Listen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

Listen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

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