Abstract

We have designed, developed and tested a system for the transcutaneous recording of the EKG of cetaceans. The system includes electrodes affixed to the animal with suction cups, a 'holler' type digital recorder and analysis software. At present the electrodes are hardwired to the recorder.

To date we have recorded EKGS from humpback whales entrapped in fishing gear and stranded blue whales. Captive beluga, Pacific white-sided dolphin, killer whales, harbour porpoise and bottlenose dolphins have also been recorded.

The system is evolving and new modifications are under development. These include use of needle electrodes which can be fired from a cross bow. This would allow the monitoring of large whales that are ice entrapped for considerable periods of time. Water-proofing the entire system so that it can act as an EKG logger for long periods of time, and adapting the system to pinnipeds are also under development.

In the near future we will begin contacting aquaria to offer them use of the system and to help them develop similar systems.