Implementación de técnicas de telemetría en la orca - orcinus orca, dentro de la reserva marina de Galápagos

Abstract

The implementation of telemetry techniques on orcas has been proposed to obtain data that could support the recognition of the Galapagos Marine Reserve (GMR) as an area used by this species for interaction, rearing, and/or reproduction. The primary subjects for this research would be adult orcas (males or females), which would allow for the tracking of their migratory routes and the identification of preferred locations—specifically those used for rearing, feeding, or reproduction. Geographic zones will be established to record orca sightings, incorporating data from reports by local fishermen, tourists, researchers, and others. The proposed methodology is straightforward: from a motorized boat, a researcher uses a pneumatic crossbow to deploy a sensor, which is aimed at the base of the orca’s dorsal fin. This specific area is targeted because it is the first part of the animal’s body to break the surface, ensuring that the signal is transmitted to the satellite without interference. This research employs a valuable and necessary technique for studying the ecology and behavior of orcas, enabling the determination of seasonal distribution patterns and the species' relative abundance across the various areas they frequent.