Telemetry Tagging

Whats this?

There are two main types of tag used in whale shark research -visual tags and telemetry tags. Visual tags are usually made from a colourful plastic labelled with an ID code or number. Telemetry tags are electronic tags that record and store information about the whale shark and its environment.

Why?

Visual tags are simply used so researchers can identify an individual whale shark. They are becoming less common as more people use Photo Identification.  

Telemetry tags remain the only viable option for studying whale sharks fwhen they are out of humans i.e.the vast proportion of their lives. During deployment the telemetry tag will have stored information about temperature, depth and light levels. Light levels are recorded because the position of the shark can be roughly calculated using the changes in time of sunrise and sunset. Limits on tag size mean that this simple light/dark system, although not as accurate, is preferred to a GPS which would require a much larger battery. The main drawback of telemetry tagging is that the tags and satellite rental are very expensive. One satellite tag may cost up to $5,000 and there is a high risk that the tag may be lost.

The MWSRP have ceased tagging whale sharks in the Maldives in June 2009 due in part to the concerns expresed by the tourist industry. A copy of the MWSRP's statement responding to these concerns can be found the 2009-2010 annual report. For more information on the tagging work carried out please see the 2008 and 2009 HSWRI preliminary technical reports. 

For video footage of Dr Brent Stewart of HSWRI dispensing telemetry tags in the Philippines click here. The footage is an accurate depiction of the methods used in the Maldives with the exception of the tag shown in the video with a long tether (shown at about 1:13).