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HAMMERHEAD SHARK RESEARCH

Tagging study of hammerhead sharks

What is HAMMERHEAD SHARK RESEARCH?

HAMMERHEAD SHARK RESEARCH: A project from ElasmoCan that studies hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.) in the Canary Islands to achieve their conservation, employing tagging techniques.

 

HAMMERHEAD SHARK RESEARCH is a project that studies the vulnerable hammerhead shark species (Sphyrna spp.) in the Canary Islands. This is necessary to improve the understanding of these particular species and to help in the local conservation management of their populations.

How is HAMMERHEAD SHARK RESEARCH done?

We record biological data from the hammerheads and mark them with numbered tags. This technique will provide information during each resightment that will allow us to know different aspects of their population dynamics like distribution, growth and migrations in between others.

We also use satellite telemetry, where the shark carries a small device that stores temperature, -depth and -light intensity data. After a programmed time, it releases from the shark and transmits the archived data to a satellite once floating at the surface.

Tagging of a smooth hammerhead shark (Sphyrna zygaena) to study their dynamic population charachteristics (HAMMERHEAD SHARK RESEARCH); photo credit Filip Osaer - ElasmoCan.
Tagging of a smooth hammerhead shark (Sphyrna zygaena) with a satellite device which allows to study its movement range, and preferences for temperature and depth (HAMMERHEAD SHARK RESEARCH); photo credit Filip Osaer - ElasmoCan.

How can you help in the conservation of hammerheads?

Help us in the conservation of hammerhead sharks and report your sighting of a shark tagged by ElasmoCan.

 

You can provide us with valuable information like tag number, location, date and photographs through this form in case you observe or incidentally capture a hammerhead shark tagged by ElasmoCan. This information will help us to improve the knowledge of the sharks and propose an efficient management of their populations. Please remind to release the individual as fast as possible and in the best possible condition as per the ruling regulations.

 

Help us and share your sightings.

 

Read more about our investigation lines that contribute to the understanding and the survival of the sharks and rays in the Canary Islands.

 

 

Dr. Filip Osaer is the leader of this pioneering and innovative initiative in the Canary Islands.

 

With the generous support from:

 

 

 

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Environment from the Canarian GovernmentMinistry of Agriculture & Fisheries, Food & Environment (MAPAMA) With the authorization from the Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, Food & Environment, and with knowledge from the Canarian Government.