Every winter, up to 400,000 grey seals gather on Sable Island off Nova Scotia's coast to rest, breed, and give birth. While the population has surged, about 90% of pups die within their first year, likely due to food competition. To better understand their health, researchers have launched a pilot program to monitor the heart health of seal pups using innovative, non-invasive technology.

For the first time, scientists are outfitting pups with small heart monitors, similar to "seal Fitbits," that track heart rate and EKG data. This information helps scientists assess the pups' energy expenditure and how well they’re preparing for life in the ocean, where they must quickly learn to dive and conserve oxygen. Researchers are also using thermal cameras to monitor the pups’ health, offering new insights into animal monitoring in the wild.

The success of the pilot program could expand the team's ability to study and protect seal populations in the future.