Tracking Coastal Sharks with small boats: Hammerhead Shark Pups as a case study

Abstract

Acoustic telemetry techniques have been adapted for use with small boats to facilitate tracking of nearshore reef species. In addition to permitting tracking in areas where manoeuvrability and quick responses are required, the system has modest operating costs that make tracking experiments a viable option for a wide range of researchers. Tracking and communication equipment can be powered for several days by a single 12-V 8D truck battery. Current topics in shark biology that are amenable to these tracking techniques are discussed. For instance, hammerhead pups have been tracked on their natal grounds for periods of up to 13 days. Their daytime movements appeared to be restricted to a well defined 'core area' where a school of sharks hovered between 1 and 3 m off the lagoon floor. At night, the sharks became more active, expanding their range of movements before returning to the core area the next morning.