Sharks as Ocean Sensors: How New Tagging Technology Is Advancing Marine Science

University of Delaware researchers are helping to expand how scientists observe the ocean by developing and deploying animal-borne electronic tags that turn sharks into mobile ocean sensors.

The research is led by UD marine scientist Aaron Carlisle, who studies shark ecology, movement patterns and conservation. He can discuss how tagging technology is helping researchers better understand sharks and the ocean environment.

The data collected by the tags allow researchers to gather ocean temperature and salinity measurements from parts of the Atlantic that are difficult and expensive to monitor consistently. These observations could help scientists better understand the Mid-Atlantic’s seasonal “cold pool,” a layer of colder bottom water that can influence how quickly hurricanes intensify.

This summer, Carlisle and his team are conducting offshore tagging expeditions in the Mid-Atlantic aboard UD's R/V Daiber, where they are testing redesigned tags.

Carlisle also studies human impacts on shark populations, including recent research examining the international trade of sand tiger sharks and the biological, ethical and economic concerns surrounding the harvest of a protected species for aquarium display.

Carlisle’s expertise includes:

• Shark ecology, movement patterns and conservation.

• How satellite-linked tags allow researchers to collect and transmit ocean data.

• How animal-borne sensors can help researchers gather observations from difficult-to-monitor parts of the Atlantic.

• How ocean temperature and salinity data can improve understanding of hurricane development and ocean processes.

• How shark-based observations can complement existing ocean observing networks.

To arrange an interview with Carlisle, visit his profile and click the contact button. Interested reporters can also send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.