Sharks might be helping us understand our oceans better, according to a new study from the University of Miami. This research shows that data collected by sharks can enhance our ability to forecast ocean conditions, particularly along the Northwest Atlantic coast.
When sharks swim through challenging areas of the ocean, they gather important temperature and depth information. Laura H. McDonnell, the lead author of the study, notes that these predators naturally explore regions where traditional ocean monitoring is lacking. By attaching satellite tags to sharks, researchers can capture real-time data that fills in these gaps.
Ben Kirtman, a co-author of the study, emphasizes the importance of this data. He explains that marine predators like sharks prefer dynamic ocean features. Using the information garnered from these animals can enhance existing climate models significantly. This study is groundbreaking because it is the first to integrate animal-borne data into seasonal climate models, helping improve forecast accuracy.
McDonnell and fellow researcher Neil Hammerschlag tagged 19 sharks, including blue sharks and a shortfin mako, which transmitted over 8,200 temperature-depth profiles. This kind of data is vital because it contributes to understanding better how climate change impacts marine environments.
While sharks won’t replace traditional monitoring systems, their data can complement existing tools. Accurate ocean forecasts are crucial for areas like fisheries management and coastal community planning. Even small improvements can make a big difference in decision-making for fishing, resource management, and climate adaptation. Camrin Braun, another co-author and oceanographer, stated that reducing forecasting uncertainty helps coastal communities plan more effectively.
Shark data is not entirely new. Researchers have previously explored ways sharks could aid in hurricane predictions. As environmental concerns grow, innovative methods like this are critical. By utilizing the natural behaviors of sharks, we can gain insights that might help mitigate the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and coastal populations.
For more details on this study and its implications, check out the original publication in the journal npj Climate and Atmospheric Science.
Source link
Local,Connect,South,Florida,Connect,Sharks,FL,Content,Sharing,-,Statewide,Modular,Story,TTP,What,We,Know,Climate,Science,Forecast,Earth,Sciences,Climate,Change,\u0026,Global,Warming,Weather,Wildlife,Overall,Positive,Ecology,\u0026,Environment,Green,Living,\u0026,Environmental,Issues,Atmospheric,Science,Florida,University,of,Miami,Local Connect,South Florida Connect,Sharks,FL Content Sharing – Statewide,Modular Story,TTP What We Know,Climate Science,Forecast,Earth Sciences,Climate Change \u0026 Global Warming,Weather,Wildlife,Overall Positive,Ecology \u0026 Environment,Green Living \u0026 Environmental Issues,Atmospheric Science,Florida,University of Miami
