Scientists turn sharks into real-time ocean observers with sensors
University of Delaware researchers are using sharks equipped with electronic sensors to collect real-time ocean data, such as temperature and salinity. This project aims to improve hurricane intensity forecasting by mapping the thermal energy in the ocean's upper layers.
Why it matters
Using marine life as mobile sensor platforms offers a cost-effective and efficient way to gather critical climate data in areas where hurricanes develop.
Researchers from University of Delaware are transforming how oceanographers (scientists who study the earth's oceans) track marine conditions by deploying specialised electronic tags that turn living sharks into mobile, real-time data collection hubs. The research project, led by marine scientist Aaron Carlisle, equips predatory fish with advanced sensors designed to collect water profiles across the US East Coast.Instead of merely tracking animal movements, the tags gather critical data on temperature, salinity and depth – feeding real-time information directly into atmospheric and climate forecast models. The research was published in journal Frontiers in Conservation Science.Researchers decode ocean heat that fuels hurricanesThe primary goal of the tagging initiative is to map the upper layer of the ocean, known to oceanographers as the mixed layer.
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