GPS Tracking

Monitoring marine animals from land can be limited as they spend most of their time underwater, however satellites can track marine animals around the world when the animals if they are fitted with Global Positioning System (GPS) tags.

Tagging marine animals allows scientists to gain insights on their range, migratory routes, ocean usage, and feeding behaviours. As the climate emergency intensifies, this information is vital for understanding how changing ocean conditions—such as warming and acidification—are affecting migration, feeding patterns, and the size of marine populations.

GPS trackers only work within a certain depth range. When animals pop up to the surface of the water, the satellites can collect data on where they are before they dive down again. Tags are often attached to shells or fins that frequently break the water’s surface. For animals that spend most of their time underwater, GPS tags can still be useful. These tags store data for a set period and then automatically detach, floating to the surface where satellites can pick up the stored information.

Marine animals tracked using GPS devices include turtles, sharks and whales.

OCEARCH

OCEARCH is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to the study and conservation of marine life. They are best known for its global shark-tracking efforts, they capture, tag, and release sharks with satellite transmitters that allow researchers and the public to track their movements.

OCEARCH’s mission is to accelerate the ocean’s return to balance and abundance by supporting scientists in collecting previously unattainable data in the ocean.

Credit: OCEARCH

You can join the adventure and track marine life in real-time using GPS signals at  OCEARCH Tracker

Links to further information:

SeaTag™ Marine Mammals Tracking System

Tracking endangered sea turtles with hardware the size of a pound coin