WHAT IS ACOUSTIC TELEMETRY?
Acoustic telemetry is data collected PASSIVELY. We surgically implant an acoustic tag with a 10 year battery life into the shark. An array of listening stations called acoustic receivers will detect the unique frequency code from the internal tag every time the shark swims near one. Then, through a huge collaborative effort, receivers are downloaded by researchers all along the US Atlantic coast, and the shark's movement patterns are mapped out. These tags allow us to track migration patterns, habitat usage, and even potential breeding or pupping grounds.
WHAT IS AN ACCELEROMETER & TEMPERATURE LOG TAG?
These types of tags are nearly the same as our standard acoustic telemetry tags with added features. The tags have two unique codes that transmit data to the acoustic receiver - accelerometer data which calculates speed bursts, and a temperature sensor. This information can help us to not only understand lateral movement behaviours, but also vertical movements (colder water at depth) and hunting behaviours!
WHAT IS SATELLITE TELEMETRY?
Satellite telemetry is data collected ACTIVELY. We mount a specialized satellite tag onto the dorsal fin of specific species of sharks. When the sharks fin and tag break the surface, the tag communicates with satellites overhead and transmits an exact location. We can then follow the sharks movements actively for the duration of the tag's battery life (usually 4-6 months).​​
WHAT YOU GET (ACOUSTIC TELEMETRY):
For each acoustic tag sponsorship option you will receive a beautiful Adoption Certificate with all of your shark's capture data, your shark's name and photo (when possible) and a fact file with more information about the species you've adopted. Once we have downloaded and cleaned up the data from the acoustic receiver array, we will update you on your shark's movements and give you an updated project summary. Updates are dependent on a collaborative receiver array download throughout North America, and while the internal acoustic tags are designed to last 10 years, we don't always get data from every shark we've tagged.
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WHAT YOU GET (SATELLITE TELEMETRY):
For each satellite tag sponsorship option you will receive a beautiful Adoption Certificate with all of your shark's capture data, your shark's name and photo (when possible) and a fact file with more information about the species you've adopted. Once the tag is deployed and activated, you will receive a link where you will be able to track your shark immediately! Fin mounted satellite tags are expected to last around 4-12 months, however sometimes these tags encounter errors and no data will be processed. You will receive updates about the project once the tag's data has been analyzed.
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Your support allows us to continue to purchase new tags and create a robust dataset for each species and project!