Support our acoustic and satellite telemetry research on great hammerhead sharks, or our acoustic telemetry research on bull sharks.

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What is ACOUSTIC TELEMETRY? Acoustic telemetry is data collected PASSIVELY. We surgically implant an acoustic tag with a 10 year battery life into the shark. An array of listening stations called acoustic receivers will detect the unique frequency code from the internal tag every time the shark swims near one. Then, through a huge collaborative effort, receivers are downloaded by researchers all along the US Atlantic coast, and the shark's movement patterns are mapped out. These tags allow us to track migration patters, habitat usage, and even potential breeding or pupping grounds.

 

What is an ACCELEROMETER & TEMPERATURE LOG TAG? These types of tags are nearly the same as our standard acoustic telemetry tags with added features. The tags have two unique codes that transmit data to the acoustic receiver - accelerometer data which calculates speed bursts, and a temperature sensor. This information can help us to not only understand lateral movement behaviours, but also vertical movements (colder water at depth) and hunting behaviours! 

 

What is SATELLITE TELEMETRY? Satellite telemetry is data collected ACTIVELY. We mount a specialized satellite tag onto the dorsal fin of specific species of sharks. When the sharks fin and tag break the surface, the tag communicates with satellites overhead and transmits an exact location. We can then follow the sharks movements actively for the duration of the tag's battery life (usually 4-6 months)

 

Each Sponsor A Tag donation will allow us to continue to purchase new tags and create a robust dataset for each species and project. In return for your donation you will receive a beautiful Adoption Certificate with all of your shark's tag information and updates from the data collected by the tag for the duration of the project. 

 

In most cases, you will be given the option to name your shark (in some cases we will tag a great hammerhead with both an acoustic transmitter and a satellite transmitter, so the name and data for those sharks will be shared.)

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Tax Deductible — The Bimini Biological Field Station Foundation is a USA 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible as appropriate by law.