OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker+ Leverages Satellite Technology for Real-Time Marine Monitoring and Conservation

Olivia P. Walker recently highlighted the OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker+ app in a social media post, recommending it to beachgoers for real-time marine activity updates. "If you’re getting in some beach time -as we are - this weekend, you should check out OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker+, it shows you shark activity via drones (it’s really cool) in your beach area," Walker stated in her tweet. However, the app primarily utilizes advanced satellite tagging technology, not drones, to track marine animals.

OCEARCH, a non-profit research organization, is dedicated to restoring balance and abundance in the world's oceans through scientific research and public engagement. The organization conducts expeditions to tag marine animals, primarily sharks, with satellite (SPOT) tags. This rigorous process allows scientists to gather crucial data on migration patterns, habitat use, and behavior, which is then open-sourced for global research and conservation efforts.

The OCEARCH Global Shark Tracker™ app, and its premium version Shark Tracker+, provides users with access to this real-time tracking data. When a tagged animal's dorsal fin breaks the surface, its tag pings a satellite, updating its location on the interactive map. The premium "Plus" version offers enhanced features such as premium map layers, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and detailed animal profiles, with subscriptions directly supporting OCEARCH's ongoing mission.

Beyond tracking, OCEARCH leverages this data for extensive educational initiatives, including a free K-12 STEM curriculum that connects students to real-world marine science. While the organization's method of briefly lifting sharks onto a research vessel for tagging has drawn some controversy, OCEARCH maintains that its procedures are safe, minimally stressful, and adhere to scientific standards, providing invaluable data for conservation and management.

The app serves as a vital tool for public awareness, transforming complex scientific data into an accessible format that fosters ocean literacy and encourages active participation in marine conservation. By making the movements of these apex predators transparent, OCEARCH aims to replace fear with facts and inspire a new generation of ocean stewards.