Shark Tagging

tag types and tracking methods

Delving into shark research

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer – S

You are most likely aware that wildlife research and conservation efforts often include the use of tags for the identification and tracking of individual animals within a given species, and that is true for shark research as well.

A variety of different kinds of tags can be used depending on the research questions being asked, the species being studied, and available funds. The more sophisticated the tag, the higher the cost. Satellite tags, for example, can cost $3,000 or more.

Some tags are affixed to the shark’s dorsal fin, some are surgically implanted in the shark’s body. Each type of tag serves specific research purposes, enabling scientists to gather diverse date sets about shark behavior, depth and temperature preferences, migration patterns, growth rates, population distribution and abundance estimates, and other variables. Here are some brief descriptions of tags and how they are used.

 
 

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Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer
 

Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tags

PIT tags are small, passive electronic tags that are implanted under the shark's skin, very similar to those we use to “chip” our pets for identification. These tags contain a unique identification number that can be detected by specialized scanning equipment during recapture. They are long-lasting, don’t require a power source, and are implanted quickly and easily by with a small incision and syringe at the base of the dorsal fin.

Pros: Fast application, cheap, minimally invasive and passive internal tags, there is nothing to suggest these tags negatively affect the shark.

Cons: Researchers only gain additional information if the shark is recaptured and scanned.

Retention: Up to ~10 years. A nurse shark holds the record for the longest time before recapture being caught 28 years after the initial tag was placed. For specific information on this shark CLICK HERE.

Cost: Low.

Size: 1-2cm - The size of a grain of rice.

Application: Extremely fast, typically under 5 seconds.

 
Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

A Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) Tag and inserter.

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

A PIT tag being inserted into a shark.

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

A PIT tag reader scanning a shark in search of a tag.

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer
 

External ID/Roto Tags

These tags are for visual identification and bear a unique number for that individual which is entered into a database and contact information for the group tracking that shark. They are affixed through a small hole made in the dorsal fin and may be made of metal or plastic. Similar to PIT tags, these are used upon recapture to identify individual animals.

Pros: Fast application and cheap. Over time these tags likely migrate with the fin until completely detached.

Cons: Researchers only gain additional information if the shark is recaptured and the fisher reports the capture. These tags typically biofoul and may cause short to mid-term fin damage. We do not use these tags.

Retention: Up to the life of the animal.

Cost: Low.

Size: ~5cm.

Application: Extremely fast, typically under 5 seconds.

 
Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

A ROTO tag before and after clamping into place.

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

A ROTO tag being secured.

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

This sharks fin displays a freshly placed ROTO tag.

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer – S
 

Casey/Dart Tags

The dart tag is one of the most commonly used tag. To affix the tag, a stainless steel or plastic dart is attached at the base of the dorsal fin. The dart is connected by monofilament to a capsule containing the shark’s capture information. The goal is that anyone who recaptures that shark will provide updated information to the original tagging group and/or the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) where Casey tag information is stored. Each recapture provides more information on that shark and builds upon data previously collected. While these tags can be applied quickly using a long pole, capturing the shark and making a small incision to precisely place the dart into the shark’s muscle will ensure the tag stays affixed for as long as possible.

Pros: Fast application and cheap. The NMFS tags are part of a large scale project resulting in a significant impact. These are passive external tags and there is nothing to suggest these tags negatively affect the shark.

Cons: Researchers only gain additional information if the shark is recaptured and the fisher reports the capture. Over time these tags may collect algae and cause drag depending on the sharks habitat preferences and general location.

Retention: Up to the life of the animal. A sandbar shark was recaptured 27.8 years after initial capture. For more information CLICK HERE. Another example of a similar tag which lasted 35 years can be found HERE. In Andros for our studies we use a personalized version of this tag.

Cost: Low.

Size: Varies, however total length is usually ~20cm.

Application: Extremely fast, typically under under 5 seconds.

 
Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

A National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) tag and inserter.

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

A shark displays an external dart tag, this one is a NMFS.

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

A shark displays a Saving the Blue dart tag.

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer
 

Acoustic Tags

Acoustic tags transmit sound signals that can be detected by an array of underwater receivers placed in the ocean by researchers. When a tagged shark swims within the detection range of these receivers (300-1000 meters), its unique signal is recorded, allowing scientists to monitor its movements and behavior within a specific area. While they can be attached externally, acoustic tags are typically implanted in the body cavity of the shark where they will keep transmitting signals for up to a decade. Acoustic tags are especially well-suited to monitoring local habitat and space use, however with the establishment of sharing networks (e.g. OTN and Itag) it is also possible to examine regional scale movements. 

Pros: Relatively fast application that offers the potential for long-term data. There is nothing to suggest these tags negatively affect the shark.

Cons: Fairly expensive, data is limited to where researcher Receivers (listening stations) are placed.

Retention: Up to 10 years. An intact and uncompromised internal acoustic transmitter was non-lethally recovered from a lemon shark Negaprion brevirostris, after 13 years at liberty. For more information CLICK HERE.

Cost: Medium at $350-750 per tag. More expensive tags have sensors also integrated like pressure and temperature.

Size: Varies, however total length is usually ~10cm.

Application: Relatively fast, typically under 3 minutes.

 
Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

Acoustic tags - Old and new colorways.

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

An acoustic tag being inserted into a sharks body cavity.

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

After insertion the opening is sutured (stitched) close.

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer
 

Satellite Tags

Satellite tags are sophisticated electronic devices that are typically attached to a shark's dorsal fin. These tags transmit or archive data, such as location, depth, light and water temperature to orbiting satellites, enabling researchers to track the shark's vertical and horizontal movements. Satellite tags are particularly useful for studying the migratory patterns and behavior of sharks that traverse vast oceanic areas.

Pop-off Satellite Archival Tag (PSAT)

PSAT tags record (at 2 - 15 minute intervals) light, depth, and temperature data while they are attached to the shark, typically affixed by dart to the base of the dorsal fin. These data are extremely useful for studying the way sharks move through the oceans, including how deep they dive and how far they migrate. PSAT tags are pre-scheduled to pop off of the shark on a particular date. On release the float component of the tag carries the tag package to the water surface, where the data is transmitted to a satellite, then sent to researchers. These tags can stay attached for several months up to two years and provide invaluable insights into shark behavior and biology.

Pros: Good resolution data with the potential for great resolution if the tag is retrieved. All metal used rusts inline with the tags retention.

Cons: Expensive tag and satellite time costs. Data is only gained if the tag detaches as predicted; there is a small risk the tag will malfunction on release. High resolution data is only gained if the tag itself is found. The tag presence may bother the shark and thus tags are usually only deployed on sharks greater than 4-5 feet (standard length) to minimize any adverse impacts e.g., drag on swimming performance.

Retention: Up to 2 years.

Cost: Expensive at $2000-5000 per tag.

Size: Varies, however capsule length is usually ~15cm and ~27cm including the wire antenna.

Application: Relatively fast, typically between 5-10 minutes depending on application method.

 
Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

A Pop-off Satellite Archival Tag (PSAT)

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

Crimps are used to secure the PSAT to the bridle.

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

Excess monofilament being cut from the bridle to reduce drag.

 
 

Smart Position and Temperature Tag (SPOT)

SPOT tags are an amazing tool, as they enable researchers to track the shark actively as it travels. These are typically affixed toward the top of the first dorsal fin to ensure they come out of the water when the shark is near enough to the surface. If a satellite is overhead at the time the shark’s tag-bearing fin breaks the surface, the tag will transmit the shark's location to that satellite. The tag is fitted with a wet/dry sensor which triggers this action when the tag comes into contact with the air. The satellite can send the position and any other data it receives to the researchers monitoring that tagged animal. These updates may be received as often as daily and contain precise location information (~ within 200 meters / 650 ft) for the last signal received. The battery in these tags can last up to two years.

Pros: Relatively fast application and high resolution with close to real-time movement data. The tag migrates out of the sharks fin to reduce damage. A healthy SPOT tagged shark was recaught 22 months later with no fin damage. For more information CLICK HERE.

Cons: Expensive tag and satellite time costs. Tag only transmits data if the tag sensors detect air and a satellite is overhead. Data is limited to shark surfacing, movement and depending on transmission strength there can be large spatial errors. The tag presence may bother the shark, although no negative association has been shown.

Retention: Approximately 9 months for a 2-bolt, and up to 2 years for a 4-bolt tag.

Cost: Expensive at $1750-5000 per tag, if integrated with other sensors (e.g., depth and temperature or fast loc positions).

Size: Varies, however total tag length is usually ~11cm and ~28cm including the wire antenna.

Application: Relatively fast depending on the person applying the tag, typically between 3-10 minutes. Our team regularly secure 4-bolt tags in under 3 minutes with a customized drill, learn more HERE.

 
Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

Smart Position and Temperature Tag (SPOT) - 2 and 4 bolt.

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

A 4-bolt SPOT tag being placed on a sharks dorsal fin.

Shark Tag – Shark Tagging – Types of Shark Tag – Shark Tracker – Shark Tag Tracker – PIT Tag – ROTO Tag – Casey Tag – Dart Tag – NOAA Tag - Acoustic Tag – Receiver – Satellite Tag – SPOT Tag – Smart Position and Temperature – PSAT – Accelerometer

A 4-bolt SPOT tag being secured.

 
 

Would you like to adopt and name your very own shark?

View our sharks for adoption HERE