564187613

Photo by: seanscott

seanscott

NASA is Helping Save Sharks

By: Lucy Sherriff

As the battle to save species across the world wages on, conservation efforts are becoming more and more technological in tracking, monitoring and collecting data.

And perhaps one of the most advanced techniques is currently being deployed by NASA, an unlikely ally in the fight to save sharks.

August 31, 2021

While scientists at other government agencies like NOAA and Marine Mammal Commission are focusing directly on shark conservation, NASA is lending a helping hand from far above the earth in a lot of ways…

Tracking movement

NASA satellite data, combined with field measurements, help scientists construct a picture of the travel routes of sharks, as well as other marine animals. In 2019, NASA partnered with France’s space agency, the Centre National D'Etudes Spatiales, and used the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite to observe the huge animal migration that happens every night under the cover of darkness.

Innumerable small sea creatures–from squid to krill–swim from the ocean depths to near the surface to feed, and this migration, which is the largest on earth and a critical part of the marine ecosystem, is all captured by a space laser.

This migration provides information about the food supply that is available to sharks, and how changes in the ecosystem could impact the health of sharks.

Ocean productivity

A system called EXport Processes in the Ocean from Remote Sensing (Exports) is taking a look at the ocean’s biological pump. The pump is a natural process which involves carbon from the atmosphere–and the surface of the ocean–is sequestered in the deep ocean. The whole process starts when phytoplankton draw carbon out of the atmosphere through photosynthesis. This starts the entire marine food chain, because phytoplankton turn atmospheric carbon into food when they are eaten by tiny animals called zooplankton. These are eaten by fish who are in turn eaten by bigger fish and large marine animals, including sharks. When fish and marine animals die, they carry the carbon stored in their bodies to the ocean floor.

Whale shark in La Paz, Baja California. in La Paz, BCS, Mexico

1304282365

Researchers can identify whale sharks by the unique pattern of their spots.

Photo by: Cavan Images

Cavan Images

Researchers can identify whale sharks by the unique pattern of their spots.

From the stars to the sea

In 1986, a Princeton University researcher developed an algorithm to map the stars that were captured by the Hubble Telescope. Now, however, that same algorithm has been adapted to recognize the star-like patterns on speckle-skinned 40 foot-long whale sharks. This allows researchers to identify individual whale sharks, as each animal has its own unique pattern, and aids them to keep tabs on the sharks.

Weather patterns

Changes in sea levels as well as storm severity and other climate patterns such as La Niña and El Niño impact sharks. NASA has been measuring the height of the ocean for almost three decades, using satellites that can detect changes in height within an inch, giving extremely precise sea level measurements. This is useful to understand the impact of ocean changes on marine animals. Sea surface height is also used in cleaning up marine oil spills, sustainably managing fisheries and understanding the behavior of ocean animals. The measurements are also used to derive ocean surface currents and ocean eddies–circular currents of water–that continuously stir and mix the water, which again impacts the behavior and migration patterns of sharks as they change the ocean’s biogeochemistry, essentially how minerals and nutrients flow through the water.

The artist took an original bland image from NASA color corrected it. Then found the white and black points, added vibrance and saturation. He also added clarity, texture, and de-haze filters. Sensor dust was removed from the original. Finally, digital enhancement filters were applied to obtain this final result. Elements of this image furnished by NASA. The ISS is flying in the Atlantic Ocean North of Cuba

1300058988

Image from ISS over the Atlantic Ocean.

Photo by: Roberto Machado Noa

Roberto Machado Noa

Image from ISS over the Atlantic Ocean.

New Frontiers

If the above projects weren’t enough, NASA has three new missions planned in ocean study. Launching in 2022, the Surface Water and Ocean Topography mission will measure small-scale ocean currents and swirling eddies to better understand the mixing and transport of water and nutrients, as well as the dispersal of pollution into the ocean. Sharks are highly sensitive species and are impacted greatly by ocean pollution, such as microplastics.

Another project will use “ocean color” technology to learn more about phytoplankton, a keystone species that impacts the entire marine food chain, that live in the upper ocean.

Finally, an instrument that will observe ocean biology, chemistry and ecology will provide scientists with unique information about the Gulf of Mexico, portions of the southeastern United States coastline, and the mouth of the Amazon River where it enters the Atlantic Ocean. And the more scientists know about sharks and their habits, the better prepared they can be to help save them.

Next Up

Catching a Glimpse of Comet NEOWISE, a Once in a Lifetime Moment

If you find yourself in a place with clean air and an unobstructed view of the night sky, you will undoubtedly be mesmerized by its starry-depth and beauty.

Mark Rober and MrBeast Team Up to Plant 20 Million Trees

They're planting 20 million trees, but they're on a deadline. Here's what you need to know to support their cause!

The Acrobats of the Skunk World

These seven species of spotted skunks can do handstands, but that’s not the only secret they’re hiding.

The Highest Animal on the Food Chain: Megalodon Sharks

The now-extinct megalodon and its ancestors may have been "hyper apex predators," higher up on the food chain than any ocean animal ever known.

Orcas Earn Their Killer Nickname in Brutal Attacks on Sharks

Six sharks washed up on a beach a few hours away from Cape Town, South Africa. As reported to Newsweek, these great white sharks were found dead, but the remains were meticulously torn apart. So what happened?

Meet the Deep Sea Sharks that Glow in the Dark

The largest bioluminescent creature on land or sea was found in the ocean near New Zealand.

Baby Raptor Fossil Found in Alaska

Over 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, paleontologists found baby velociraptor fossils with big implications.

99% of Sea Turtles are Now Born Female. Here's Why.

Global warming is creating a crisis in sea turtles' gender ratios, where 99% of them are being born female. Sea turtle populations have been facing a significant population decline further exasperated by climate change.

Shark Tracking is Protecting Endangered Species like the Great White and Tiger Shark

Scientists use a variety of methods, from acoustic tracking to body cams, to collect vital information on where sharks live, their numbers, their behavior, and environmental health.See scientists at work using these technologies to help study and save the sharks. Stream SHARK WEEK now on discovery+.

10 Simple Things You Can Do to Help Save the Earth

From a very young age we are taught the 3 'Rs;' REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE. Here are just a few things you can do around your home to take care of our planet on Earth Day and beyond.Celebrate Earth Month with brand new specials and documentaries, streaming on discovery+.

Related To: