The GPS Tracker Bore Markings Linked to the Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences under the Chinese Academy of Sciences

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A seagull carrying a GPS tracker linked to a Chinese institute was found on Karnataka’s coast, prompting authorities to investigate. What began as a routine rescue on the Karnataka coast quickly turned into a security puzzle for the local police. 

GPS Seagull in Karnataka

A migratory seagull fitted with a GPS tracking device was found injured along the Karwar coastline in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district. The finding has raised curiosity among authorities and residents. 

The bird was discovered on Tuesday (December 16, 2025) by the Coastal Marine Police Cell at Rabindranath Tagore Beach. It was later handed over to the forest department for examination.

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Chinese Institute Tracker Bird: What did Investigation Reveal?

Officials noticed that the seagull had a GPS tracker attached to its body. It included an electronic unit and a small solar panel. An email address was also attached to the device, with a message asking anyone who found the bird to make contact via the provided ID.

Police said the email address appears to be linked to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It belonged to the Research Centre for Eco-Environmental Sciences. Authorities are trying to get in touch with the institute to seek clarification for the tracker. 

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(Courtesy: X/@NewsArenaIndia)

Is China Spying on India?

Uttara Kannada Superintendent of Police Deepan MN said investigators are exploring multiple possibilities, including whether the seagull was part of a scientific research project to study migratory patterns.

The incident has attracted attention partly because Karwar is home to one of India’s key naval bases, which adds a strategic significance to this unexpected discovery.

The local police department has alerted the Marine Wing of the Forest Department after the discovery of suspicious devices. Forest officials who reached the spot safely captured the bird and examined the device.

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Officials told the news agency PTI that preliminary findings suggest scientific research rather than espionage.

"The tracker appears to have been fitted to study the movement, feeding patterns and migration routes of seagulls. At this stage, there is no evidence to suggest any espionage activity," police were quoted as saying.

Final Thoughts

This is not the first such incident in the region. In November 2024, a war eagle fitted with a tracking device was spotted within the limits of Baithkol port in Karwar. That case was also found to be linked to wildlife research.

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The recent discovery raised eyebrows for many considering the proximity of the INS Kadamba naval base. It is one of the Indian Navy's most strategic installations.

Investigators are looking trying to find out if there is any sensitive data exposure under the guise of research. Officials emphasised that further action will depend on responses received from the research body and technical analysis of the device's data transmission capabilities.

Police added that authorities are nevertheless exercising caution, given the strategic importance of the coastal region.

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