Tether Length and Retention of Satellite Tags on Megafauna
Standing
Undergraduate
Type of Proposal
Oral Presentation
Faculty
Faculty of Science
Faculty Sponsor
Dr. Nigel Hussey
Proposal
When it comes to collecting data on the movement and migration of various aquatic species, tagging animals with satellite transmitters has become a frequent tool to address this question. This approach is often used to study the localized movements, migration, hunting behaviours, and dive patterns of various large aquatic species, such as whales and sharks. In recent years, telemetric technology has greatly improved to include Fastloc GPS, which provides high resolution location data on these marine animals, even if they reach the surface of the water for short periods of time. All the while, miniaturization has reduced tag package sizes. When considering the success of a satellite tag, two key factors include the method of attaching the tag to the animal and the length of the tether attached to the tag. Animals can be tagged through active capture and insertion, or using remote tactics, such as a harpoon. A sufficiently long tether allows for optimal data registration, such as when it is wet and dry. On the other hand, an effective tether must be able to resist wear and degradation. My project seeks to determine which tether lengths and insertion methods are the best for maximizing data collection. By analyzing past efforts and methods employed by fellow scientists, I’m trying to find a correlation between the mentioned variables and the duration these tags stay intact. These findings may play a significant role in changing how research facilities around the world use tethers and telemetric technology to gather data.
Location
University of Windsor
Grand Challenges
Sustainable Industry
Tether Length and Retention of Satellite Tags on Megafauna
University of Windsor
When it comes to collecting data on the movement and migration of various aquatic species, tagging animals with satellite transmitters has become a frequent tool to address this question. This approach is often used to study the localized movements, migration, hunting behaviours, and dive patterns of various large aquatic species, such as whales and sharks. In recent years, telemetric technology has greatly improved to include Fastloc GPS, which provides high resolution location data on these marine animals, even if they reach the surface of the water for short periods of time. All the while, miniaturization has reduced tag package sizes. When considering the success of a satellite tag, two key factors include the method of attaching the tag to the animal and the length of the tether attached to the tag. Animals can be tagged through active capture and insertion, or using remote tactics, such as a harpoon. A sufficiently long tether allows for optimal data registration, such as when it is wet and dry. On the other hand, an effective tether must be able to resist wear and degradation. My project seeks to determine which tether lengths and insertion methods are the best for maximizing data collection. By analyzing past efforts and methods employed by fellow scientists, I’m trying to find a correlation between the mentioned variables and the duration these tags stay intact. These findings may play a significant role in changing how research facilities around the world use tethers and telemetric technology to gather data.