Tracking Wildlife with SHARC: The SHARC Tagging Initiative
In a captivating presentation at the Bristol Underwater Photography Group's monthly meeting in July, Peter de Maagt, an antenna specialist for the European Space Agency (ESA), shared insights into the challenges and solutions of satellite tagging for marine conservation.
De Maagt joined a group of scientists in the Dutch Antilles to perform studies in the field, where he faced the unique challenges of designing antennas that can effectively transmit data from marine animals. The need for durability in harsh marine environments and power consumption limitations were among the key issues he addressed.
To overcome these obstacles, De Maagt discussed developing compact, energy-efficient antennas optimized for under-water and surface transmission. He also highlighted the importance of improving tag attachment methods to ensure they stay on animals without causing harm. Furthermore, he emphasized the role of advances in low-power electronics and satellite communication technology in extending tag lifetimes and data quality.
One such innovation is the SHARC (Satellite - High Performance - Argos 3/-4 - Receive/Transmit Communication) system, a robust solution that ESA has developed for its tags. The system incorporates a glass cannister that will break at a set pressure, cutting the link to the animal, as an additional safety feature.
De Maagt also spoke about a solution for tags attempting to send data when no satellite is immediately reachable, which helps to conserve battery life. This feature ensures that the tags only transmit data when a satellite is within range, thereby extending their lifetimes and improving data quality.
The ESA's efforts in marine conservation are not limited to satellite tagging. The agency supports multiple projects to address the issues of marine litter, with the same chip used in tags attached to animals now readily available from a Belgium-based company.
Despite the challenges, De Maagt expressed hope for the future, acknowledging that putting all of this into action is a major challenge. The protected area near Saba, as shown by the dashed line on the map, is a fairly sizable area where sharks thrive, offering a promising environment for these innovative solutions to make a significant impact.
The number of satellite tags deployed on sharks between 2002-2017 was abysmally low at 1,681 tags deployed on only 23 species, indicating a vast potential for growth and advancement in this field. Each biologist on the boat had a specific task assigned, such as handling items, taking blood samples, and measuring sharks, demonstrating the professionalism and dedication of those involved in marine conservation efforts.
In conclusion, Peter de Maagt's presentation provided valuable insights into the challenges and solutions of satellite tagging for marine conservation. His work, along with the efforts of the ESA and other organisations, holds the promise of a brighter future for our oceans and the creatures that call them home.
