Shark Research

Sharks bring out irrational fear in many people, even those who love the ocean and all of its inhabitants. For many, the prospect of a shark attack, however rare, is enough to make them stay out of the ocean. Until recently, opportunities for scientists to observe and research sharks have been slightly limited and shark behaviors have remained a mystery. The quest for the best methods of shark study has been a long one.

The first step in the shark study process was attempting to contain one or two of each species in large aquariums. The hope was that, in these controlled environments, scientists could get a good idea of behavioral patterns. Simple observation with the naked eye can often give scientists, and even the casual observer, a tremendous amount of information about most living creatures. Unfortunately, the vast majority of shark species do not thrive, or even survive, in captivity.

Live Tagging Research

Recently, scientists have begun to study the various shark species through a live tagging system. Researchers set out into the water and "fish" for shark using bait but no hook that would harm the shark. When a shark bites onto the bait and surfaces, a trained professional will insert a tag just under its dorsal fin. The shark is then released back into the wild within a few short minutes after the tag is inserted. The tag remains with the animal for the rest of its life and sends information back to the scientists as long as the batteries last. Typically this is up to a year, which is ample time for scientists to track migratory patterns and swimming speed.

Before live tagging was a widespread practice, researchers could dive with sharks during their yearly migration to well known feeding grounds. The live tags have yielded a wealth of information about where sharks travel after they leave these coastal waters. As an example, through satellite tracking, scientists have discovered that sharks can often swim distances of up to 40 miles a day. This is much further and faster than anyone had expected sharks to travel. As technology becomes more and more advanced, chances are that we will continue to be surprised by the mysterious shark.