Recaptured ringed seals (Pusa hispida) in Greenland show diving patterns indicative of a behaviour related to daylight

Ringed seals (Pusa hispida) in Greenland exhibit diving patterns strongly influenced by daylight, with adult females showing distinct diurnal behavior. High-resolution depth data from satellite relay loggers revealed that one seal's dives closely mirrored those of capelin, a key prey species, suggesting behavioral adaptations for foraging efficiency. The study also highlighted limitations in satellite-based data transmission, missing nuanced dive patterns detectable only through high-frequency (4-second interval) recordings. This insight underscores the importance of fine-scale data in understanding marine predator behavior and its ecological implications.

Schiøtt, S., Holland, D., Holland, D., Rosing-Asvid, A., & Jansen, T. (2026). Recaptured ringed seals (Pusa hispida) in Greenland show diving patterns indicative of a behaviour related to daylight. Polar Biology, 49(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-025-03441-2