Research or spying? Seagull with Chinese GPS tracker found near naval base in Karnataka

A migratory seagull fitted with a Chinese-made GPS tracking device was found along Karnataka's Karwar coast, close to the INS Kadamba naval base, sparking concern and suspicion among the locals and security agencies.

The seagull was found on Tuesday by the Coastal Marine Police Cell at Rabindranath Tagore Beach in Karwar and was handed over to the forest department wing, police said. The injured bird was later examined by officials.

The authorities noticed that the seagull had a GPS tracker tied to its body. The device included an electronic unit with a small solar panel. Officials also found an email address attached to the tracker, along with a message requesting that anyone who finds the bird contact the provided ID.

Police said the email address is linked to the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which describes itself as a Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences. Authorities are attempting to contact the mentioned email ID to seek clarification, according to a report by NDTV.

Forest officials said researchers commonly use such tracking devices to study the movement patterns, feeding behaviour, and migration routes of migratory birds, such as seagulls.

Senior police officer, Karwar, Deepan MN, said they were verifying the details related to the GPS tracker. "The Forest Department's coastal marine cell found the bird and is currently conducting an inquiry. We are coordinating with them," he told India Today.

Data retrieved from the GPS device revealed that the seagull flew over 10,000 km, including across Arctic regions, before reaching the Karnataka coast, TOI reported.