Search Launched for Missing Shark and Ray Data Tags

Call for Public Help in Locating Shark and Ray Tracking Tags

Jersey – Marine researchers are calling on the public to assist in recovering important tracking devices that have detached from sharks and rays as part of a scientific study.

Jersey Marine Resources (JMR) recently deployed 20 small tracking tags on tope sharks over a two-day tagging effort. These devices are programmed to release from the animals after four weeks and float to the ocean surface for retrieval.

Each tag is bright red, marked with a series of numbers, and features a hole for easy identification. JMR is offering a £50 reward for each tag that is found and returned.

The project aims to shed light on the movement patterns of sharks and rays in Jersey’s waters. According to researchers, all tagging is carried out under strict animal welfare protocols, ensuring the sharks are caught, tagged, and released in a safe and controlled way.

The study is a collaborative effort between JMR, local fishers, the Jersey International Centre for Advanced Studies, and the University of Exeter. The data collected will contribute to PhD research focused on improving sustainable fisheries and marine conservation efforts.

Researchers emphasise that recovering the tags is vital to ensuring the success of the project and to further understanding of the region’s marine ecosystems.