The International SeaKeepers Society worked onboard D/Y Fugitive with shark researchers from the RJ Dunlap Marine Conservation Program at the University of Miami. Researchers spent a few days working out of West End, Bahamas to collect, clean, download and redeploy a set of 32 hydrophone receivers at Tiger Beach. Everyone onboard got involved with the research and helped make the turnaround smooth and successful.
The hydrophones are mounted to the sea floor throughout the area and are set to receive acoustic signals from tagged tiger sharks in the area. Data is downloaded every 6 months and provides scientists with data on shark behavior. In addition to the hydrophone turnaround trips, SeaKeepers puts together tagging expeditions regularly. Tagging sharks and monitoring their health and behavior is important for conservation work and marine management in the Bahamas.
Dr. Neil Hammerschlag shows us all the growth on a recently pulled hydrophone. This is cleaned off so that when they go back in the water, there’s no growth on them at all!
