Amazing Shark-Tagging Adventure!

Hi everyone,

As some of last year's campers will remember, the IPYNC supports SHARCC, an organisation dedicated to the preservation of shark populations.  But why?

Well, due to several declining fish populations, climate change, and habitat degradation, it is important for scientists to consistently track marine species, so that we may determine spatial and temporal trends in their behaviour and movement. For sharks, tagging (i.e. acoustic, satellite, or radio) can provide us with the most up to date movements of these species as they cross vast ocean distances, or whether they remain close to shore. We can determine their catch location, how they were caught, and where they traveled too! This type of information is extremely valuable for both sharks and fisheries managers. Policy makers need the best scientific information available, if they are to implement effective conservation measures for sharks.

With that in mind, we would like to invite you all to take part in marine conservation through hands-on shark-tagging! Check it out:

If you are interested in participating in this event, we encourage you to sign up now, as there are only 8 spots available.  We are giving away the spots on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Those who sign up will need to attend a safety and orientation presentation at Dalhousie, in Room 812, 8th floor of the Biology Department in the Life Sciences Building, from 10:00am-11:30pm.

We are really excited to be working with Blue Shark Fishing Charters, and they are giving us a great deal for this expedition- normally, it would cost $140/person!  If you're interested in finding out more about Blue Shark Charters, check out their website: http://www.bluesharkcharters.com/Tagging.htm

If you have any questions about the trip, please contact Art, the Captain at Blue Shark Fishing Charters, or Brendal Davis: Art- (902) 830-4115, art@bluesharkcharters.com or Brendal- (902) 579-8155 brendal.a.davis@gmail.com

We'd also like to share some instructional information that Brendal sent us about shark tagging, so that those who want to join us will know what to expect:

Shark Tagging

Materials used:

1. tagging pole
2. tags, data cards
3. tagging information sheet
4. measuring tape
5. pencil
 Shark Species:

1. Blue shark
2. Shortfin Mako
3. Porbeagle Shark

How to Apply Tags:

1. Place a tag in the slot in the applicator and use the elastic to secure the tag to the tagging pole (See figure 1.).
 2. When a shark is caught that is suitable for tagging try to bring the shark up along side the boat using the leader or boat hook. Do not gaff the shark and try to minimize damage if the animal is to be tagged and released. If the shark is small enough, it can be brought on board or rested on the side rail of the boat while the tag is applied. Always use caution when handling live sharks.

 3. Insert the tag into the back muscle tissue just to the left or right of the dorsal fin. The tag should pierce the skin easily when applied with a quick motion and some force (see figure 2.)

Figure 1

 

Figure 2

Figure 3

4. Determine the sex of the shark (Fig. 4) and measure the shark as accurately as possible by taking fork length (tip of snout to fork in the tail) or total length (tip of snout to tip of the tail) (Fig. 5) and record on the data card.

5. Record the location information (Lat and Long), the date, species and condition of the shark as well as any other information (water temperature) before releasing the shark.

6. Place a new tag in the tagging pole so that it is ready for the next shark

Figure 4

Identifying sharks:

Blue shark (Picture 1)

The blue shark is a slender, slim shark with a blunt rounded snout when viewed from above. The pectoral or side fins are long and scythe shaped. The tail has an elongated upper lobe which curves backward. Teeth are triangular and serrated in the upper jaw and long and pointed in the lower jaw. (Picture 1)

Picture 1

Porbeagle shark (Picture 2)

The porbeagle is a stout shark with a more pointed snout than the blue shark. The pectoral fins are shorter and there is a white patch on the trailing edge of the dorsal fin. The upper and lower lobes of the tail fin are similar in size. There are lateral keels on the base of the tail and there is a set of smaller secondary ridges just below the main keels. Teeth are sharp and pointed and have two smaller points or cusps on either side of the main cusp.

Picture 2

Shortfin Mako shark (Picture 3)

The mako is very similar to the porbeagle. The body is similar in shape but more streamlined and the snout is more tapered and pointed. There is no white patch on the dorsal fin and there are no secondary ridges on the base of the tail. The teeth are long, curved and very sharp and often protrude from the mouth even when the mouth is closed.

Picture 3

This information was provided by:



Warren N. Joyce

ph/tél: +1-902-426-6382
fax/téléc: +1-902-426-1506
e-mail/courriel: Warren.Joyce@mar.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Canadian Shark Research Laboratory 

Bedford Institute of Oceanography
P.O. Box 1006, 1 Challenger Drive, Dartmouth
Nova Scotia, Canada, B2Y 4A2



We look forward to seeing some of you for this exciting opportunity!

Peace, Love, and Sharks!
-The IPYNC Staff