This potential series of reporting zones could threaten the tradition of freedom of navigation on the high seas. The Navy preferred a voluntary system for reporting. In times of war or heightened tensions the rule could be put in abeyance. The reporting system will increase the value of the present Early Warning Network and overflights of the critical habitats by making all ships at sea aware of the whales' whereabouts. Both types of tags are dependent on batteries and the types of packaging and attachment devices employed.
Most batteries can work for several months, but the attachment devices differ.
Implanted tags, using devices that hook into the blubber, can stay for weeks or months. If the whale is underwater when the satellite is overhead, again no data. Timing is the key. In contrast, radio tags are used in more localized research. These tags have a line of sight coverage.