Roaming seals use mobiles to call home

SITTING and waiting for the phone to ring is an occupational hazard for marine biologist Michelle Cronin.

Being out of coverage or not having enough credit on the phone are the usual excuses we have all had to put up with, but when you are expecting a call from a seal, the excuses are even more fishy.

Ms Cronin is leading a team of research scientists who are tracking seals from the Coastal and Marine Resource Centre at the Haulbowline Naval base in Cork by giving them mobile phones. She said the aim of the innovation research effort is to track harbour seals and help focus conservation efforts.