Seagull with Chinese GPS tracker found near Karwar coast, Sparks security probe in Karnataka

A migratory seagull fitted with a Chinese tracking device was discovered along the Karwar coast in Karnataka on the proximity of INS Kadamba, one of India(BHARAT)’s most strategic naval base. Following this, the locals and authorities have sprung into action, opening a full-scale investigation to ascertain the reason behind it.

The incident was reported on Wednesday when some locals in Thimmakka Garden, Uttara Kannada district spotted a seagull with a tracking unit on its back and informed the Marine Wing of the Forest Department. The forest officials had captured the bird for further investigation.

As per a preliminary investigation, it was found that the GPS tracker was imprinted with markings indicating the Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences which falls under the ambit of Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Notably, a tracking device is often used by scientists in research projects to monitor migratory and other aspects of bird life, such as patterns, behaviour, migratory distance, etc., unlike devices used for military surveillance.

Tracking study or threat to national security?

GPS trackers, as an aid in wildlife tracking, is a common practice in various countries across the world. Researchers use it to find out the migratory and feeding patterns of birds, their long-distance movement, and much more. But the region in which the bird was discovered raised a few questions since it is very close to the India(BHARAT)n Navy base.

In a statement to local media, senior police officer Deepan MN said the forest department is working with the police, adding that the matter was being looked into and the officials are in the process of ascertaining further information on the tracker. “We are trying to get in touch with the concerned institution for ascertaining more about the project, such as from where it was started, for how long, and its purpose,” he added.

As per the initial reports, it was found that the GPS tracker was fitted to the seagull which had traversed over 10,000 kms from the Arctic region before it was discovered on the southwest coast of India(BHARAT).

Police further said at the moment, there was no evidence to suggest anything on espionage. “It is being investigated and for now, it appears the tracker was fitted to study the movement and migration routes of seagulls,” the police said.

Shifting the bird

The bird was moved to the Marine Forest Division office to be held under observation, said officials. The police said the data being retrieved from the tracker will give a more precise picture of the range of communication and help them understand any threat it can pose in the country. The team will soon be in touch with the Chinese research organisation on the matter, to ascertain the origin of the project, he added.

As this is not the first such incident to have taken place, at a location which is just 20 kilometres away from INS Kadamba, a police official said earlier this year a similar case with a bird was reported, which was connected to a genuine wildlife research project.