Redesigned Shark Tagging

Dawson, Brooke E.; Harvey, Amelia N.; Soultanian, Aram; Nardelli, Lilly G.; Gallagher, Hannah G.

Student Work

Redesigned Shark Tagging

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Acoustic and satellite tags have mapped the migration patterns and predatory habits of great white sharks, resulting in a safer beach environment for humans. However, the CATS Cam system is a new tagging technology which measures accelerometer, water temperature, and depth data while providing video from a shark’s eye view. This project partnered with MA Division of Fisheries and senior fisheries biologist, Dr. Greg Skomal, to create a tagging pole to attach this system to the dorsal fin of a great white. Iterations of this pole design included ideation, calculations, CAD drafting, initial fabrication with 3D printed plastics, and finally manufacturing with machining equipment before testing the full system in an open body of water. It was not possible to test the device directly on a shark in the ocean due to the academic year not aligning with shark season. The results of testing showed that the device effectively released the tag system onto a foam dorsal fin in still water without causing injury or significant strain on the user. This project paves the way for further data collection on great whites, leading to more awareness and predictability of shark locations for safer beachgoing experience.

This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

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