How our clamps are helping scientists to better understand the behaviour of walruses

Scientist tracking walrus in the Arctic Ocean chose JCS’s worm-drive clips to secure radio transmitters to their tusks.

Used successfully for two years without a single failure

Proof that JCS’s worm-drive clips can be used for an incredibly diverse range of applications is a project in Alaska to track the behaviour and movement of walruses within areas of offshore sea ice.

Scientists wanted to attach a radio transmitter to the tusks of a number of the sea mammals but were struggling to find the right solution. Having lost expensive equipment using adhesives and different types of straps they turned to JCS Hi-Torque clamps, which were used successfully for two years without a single failure.

Why only JCS Hi-Torque clamps would do?

There are a number of reasons the clamps have been so effective.

They are made from Marine Grade BS.304 Stainless Steel, which means they do not degrade in salt water or freezing temperatures.

The clamps also have a large adjustment range allowing one size of clamp to be used on tusks of different widths. In addition, the clamps’ rounded-edges minimised any chance of the walruses coming to any harm.

Other standard worm-drive clamps or nut and bolt clamps would not have been up to the rigours of the task.

Melting sea ice and reduced habitat

Here at JCS we are proud to be associated with an important research project such as this.

The retreat of sea ice beyond the continental shelf during the summer months is reducing the available habitat for the Pacific walrus. Gaining insights into how walruses are adjusting to this new situation is important in understanding how we can support and live alongside these majestic animals when there is increased human activity in the Arctic, such as shipping and oil and gas exploration.

More information available at The Guardian

 

If you would like to know about other interesting projects where JCS ‘ clamps have been used, or would like to discuss how the JCS range can benefit you, then please contact us on +44 (0)1787 376212 or email sales@jcshi-torque.co.uk

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