HAWAII – Using drones, researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa have developed a safer, more efficient way to tag humpback whales from the air, ushering in a new era for the marine mammal tracking program. Previously, researchers with the University's Marine Mammal Research Program approached the animals closely on boats, deploying tags using a seven-meter carbon fiber pole. The high-flying drone tagging technology allows scientists to collect detailed data on humpback whale health and behavior. MEET THREEHALVES: THE HAUNTING VIRAL ROBOT DESIGNED FOR EARTH'S MOST DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTSSince 2019, the program has been tagging marine life vital and present in and around Hawaii and abroad, including humpback whales, gray whales, pilot whales, false killer whales and monk seals. Marine Mammal Research Program leader Dr. Lars Bejder wrote on a blog, "This opens up many new opportunities for low-impact research on whales and dolphins to inform on their conservation and management."