Shark Tracker: Demonstrating the Use of Acoustic Telemetry to Track Sharks

September 1st, 2004 - February 28th, 2007 | PROJECT

This project communicates to public audiences a body of research using state-of-the-art acoustic technology to monitor the long-term movement patterns of juvenile sharks in a coastal nursery. Aquarium visitors will experience an interactive live shark exhibit designed to mimic shark monitoring. Interactive animations of shark movements from the research study are integrated into the exhibit and will be explained on video monitors while a shark swimming in an exhibit tank activates detectors showing its location and movement. Designed for visitors of all ages, the exhibit demonstrates how the research project works and explains how sharks use coastal bays as nursery areas and how these areas are critical to the survival of young sharks. Dissemination is through the Mote Marine Aquarium that receives over 400,000 visitors annually, and through web cast and distance-learning elements.

Project Website(s)

(no project website provided)

Team Members

Michelle Heupel, Principal Investigator, Mote Marine Laboratory

Funders

Funding Source: NSF
Funding Program: ISE/AISL
Award Number: 0334875
Funding Amount: 74954

Tags

Audience: General Public | Museum | ISE Professionals
Discipline: Life science | Nature of science
Resource Type: Project Descriptions
Environment Type: Aquarium and Zoo Exhibits | Exhibitions