Scientists turn to sharks for better hurricane predictions

Scientists are exploring the potential of sharks to provide valuable data for predicting hurricane intensity, turning these fearsome predators into mobile ocean data collectors. Researchers from the University of Delaware are testing the use of CTD tags, small electronic devices that measure ocean conditions such as conductivity, temperature, and depth, attached to sharks to gather information on the top layer of the ocean, known as the mixed layer.

This layer is critical for hurricane intensity, as warmer temperatures fuel stronger storms. Sharks were chosen as research subjects due to their abundance, widespread distribution, and relative ease of access compared to other marine mammals. The study focuses on species like the shortfin mako, blue, smooth hammerhead, and juvenile great white sharks, which surface frequently to transmit data to satellites.

The tagging process, which involves attaching the tags to the sharks' dorsal fins, takes less than five minutes and is carried out in May when these species migrate closer to the coast. Researchers ensure the sharks' well-being throughout the process, with each animal receiving a health check before release. This innovative approach to hurricane prediction could potentially provide valuable near-real-time ocean data to inform climate models and improve forecasting accuracy.