Researchers Use Sharks as Mobile Sensors to Track Ocean Conditions

Researchers at the University of Delaware are tagging sharks with sensors to collect real-time ocean temperature and salinity data ^[1].

This initiative aims to fill critical gaps in oceanographic data. By using migratory animals as mobile observers, scientists can gather high-resolution information that is often difficult to obtain via traditional stationary equipment or satellite imaging.

The project focuses on two species: the shortfin mako and the blue shark ^[3]. These animals migrate along the Atlantic coast of the U.S., providing a roaming network of data collection points [1, 2]. The sensors attached to the sharks measure the physical properties of the water as the animals move through different depths and regions [1, 4].

This data is particularly vital for atmospheric and climate models. Ocean temperature and salinity are primary drivers of weather patterns, including the intensity and trajectory of hurricanes [1, 2]. By integrating real-time shark data into these models, researchers hope to increase the accuracy of storm forecasts and better understand long-term climate shifts [1, 5].

Traditional ocean monitoring often relies on autonomous floats or ship-based measurements, which may not cover all areas of the U.S. East Coast consistently. Sharks, however, naturally traverse these waters, acting as biological probes that can reach varied environments [4, 5]. This biological approach allows for a more dynamic mapping of the ocean's thermal structure.