Transdermal cetacean tags are deployed either using a pneumatic air gun or a long fiberglass pole. The tag electronics are cast in epoxy then encased in a stainless steel housing for robustness. Etched rings on the housings provide a visual means to measure the amount of tag migration out of the whale. A “stop plate” at the distal end of the tag limits the depth of the implant. A variety of different stop plate styles are available.
Model | Tracking | Sensors | Sensor Data Archive | Transmitted Data Products | Life (days) | L x D (mm) | Weight (g) | |||||
Time Series | Dive Behavior | Haulout Behavior | Temperature | Mortality | ||||||||
Histos | Profiles | |||||||||||
SPOT-177![]() | Argos | Temp | ✓ | 300 | 114 x 20 | 140 | ||||||
SPOT-303![]() | Argos | Temp, Light | ✓ | 540 | 300 x 24 | 390 | ||||||
SPOT-372![]() | Argos | Temp, Light | ✓ | 540 | 293 x 24 | 390 | ||||||
SPLASH10-302![]() | Argos | Depth, Temp, Light | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 190 | 300 x 24 | 390 | ||
SPLASH10-373![]() | Argos | Depth, Temp, Light | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 190 | 293 x 24 | 390 | ||
Model | Tracking | Sensors | Sensor Data Archive | Transmitted Data Products | Life (days) | L x W x H (mm) | Weight (g) | |||||
Time Series | Dive Behavior | Haulout Behavior | Temperature | Mortality | ||||||||
Histos | Profiles |
Life estimates rely on battery variability, temperature, power settings, features utilized, etc. Life estimates are calculated using manufacturers’ specifications and assumes 250 transmissions per day and, where applicable, 24 Fastloc® acquisitions per day. It is important to note that when tagging cetaceans, deployment length is typically limited by tag retention rather than battery capacity.
Most SPLASH tags come in a 10 (does not contain Fastloc) or BF (does not contain depth) version. Ask your technical sales consultant which tag best meets your research goals.
This is a small representation of our available tags. Tag features and specifications subject to change without notice.