In October 2022, we worked with Saving The Blue to support Shark conservation. We were able to tag 2 Silky Female Sharks as a result of the support and contributions of our customers!
In order to study and conserve Silky Sharks, a new Acoustic Receiver (a listening station) has been deployed in The Bahamas on November 2022.
Over the next eight months, the Listening Station, which is 80 feet below the surface of the sea, will stay in place and collect data on any tagged sharks that pass by.
When we learn more in the upcoming months, we'll give you another update on this interesting and significant endeavor.
Saving the Blue aims to recover and restore a variety of threatened marine species, while connecting people to ocean wildlife.
Saving the Blue was founded in 2015 as a commitment to ocean conservation and education. They aim to promote green, sustainable living, through education and outreach, both in person and online. With the mission to inspire those around them to step up and take action to conserve marine ecosystems.
Conducting their research in Andros (The Bahamas), Jupiter Florida (US), and the Florida Keys (US).
Tracking Devices
They track sharks and marine species using a combination of satellite and acoustic electronic devices. Satellite tags (SPOT or PSAT, Wildlife Computers, Microwave Telemetry, Lotek Wireless) are typically used to monitor migration patterns both horizontally and vertically as they can provide locations of the sharks during tracks (e.g. 30 days to 2 years) and depth/temperature information at 5-minute intervals throughout their deployment.
Acoustic tracking tags are usually deployed to examine habitat use at finer scales, determining the role of various biological factors (e.g. living/non-living things) on how sharks use particular areas.
How Does Saving The Blue Capture Sharks to Tag?
Different sharks require different capture techniques.
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A shallow water gillnet to target newborn lemon sharks
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a lightweight fishing line meshing with weights on the bottom floats on the surface
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Block rigs to capture reef sharks, nurse or tigers sharks
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a concrete block with leader wire/monofilament and float
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Polyball fishing deployed for hammerhead or silky sharks
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a large buoy with line and hook drifted over area to target particular species
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Saving the Blue's capture techniques are all designed to reduce the time the sharks are restrained for to ensure quick processing and release.
Do The Tags Harm The Sharks?
Most satellite devices are placed next to or through the dorsal fin. There are no nerve endings in the fins and although we are unable to ask a shark if it feels us making a hole to place a tag, they do not react. The tags are temporary with materials that breakdown over time, so eventually there are no tag remnants on the shark.
Acoustic tags are typically implanted in the body cavity and can last up to 10-years. Many recent studies that the Saving the Blue scientific team has been involved with have tracked some individuals up to 6-years with tags implanted showing no adverse effects.
WE'RE SURE YOU'RE WONDERING...
'WHY TAG SHARKS?'
In order to conserve and manage sharks, researchers use tags to track them in their natural habitat and study their movement patterns and behavior. This tagging allows researchers to better understand the species’ life history, social behavior, reproduction, and much more, including how often the animals may interact with fisheries. These fields are all very important for advancing the conservation and management of sharks.
For example, Saving the Blue recently tagged a great hammerhead in Andros. Within the Bahamas, this shark was protected as part of the national Shark Sanctuary. When the shark left the Bahamas and swam to the United States, however, it was subject to fishing pressure as regulations permit limited harvest in federal waters.
By revealing where sharks move and the routes they travel, scientists can understand how best to influence management and ultimately, protect them. This protection is only possible with the use of tags, which reveal the secrets of these fascinating creatures!
Ways to Contribute
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WITH FUTURE DONATIONS -
WE CAN TAG AS MANY SHARKS FOR OUR ACOUSTIC RECEIVER TO TRACK AND CONTINUE OUR JOURNEY
STAY UPDATED FOR NEW INFO ON OUR TRACKED SHARKS!
ProShot & Tidal Sports continue to support Saving the Blue by donating & and matching all customer contributions.
Did you know you can also tag and name your own Shark?!
You can stay updated on all sharks tagged-we will be adding more milestones below and continue to tag as many Sharks as possible to help endangered species.
Donate anywhere from $5 up to $350 to tag a Shark.
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