WAMSI Node 3.2.1 - Diversity, abundance and habitat utilisation of sharks and rays - Satellite tagging data

Brief description

Two types of platform transmitter terminals (PTTs) were used, Wildlife Computers (Redmond, USA) smart position or temperature transmitting tag (SPOT4 or SPOT5) and SPLASH tags.

Lineage

Statement: Two types of platform transmitter terminals (PTTs) were used, Wildlife Computers (Redmond, USA) smart position or temperature transmitting tag (SPOT4 or SPOT5) and SPLASH tags. SPOT tags provide ARGOS locations together with water temperature reported as time-at-temperature histograms in user defined bins. SPLASH tags provide ARGOS locations together with depth and temperature reported as time-at-depth and temperature histograms in user defined bins. Depth is recorded down to 980 m (resolution = 0.5 m; accuracy ± 1 m 0-100 m, 1% 100-1000 m), temperature is measured from -40°C to +60°C, with a resolution of 0.2C and accuracy of ± 1C. Tags were attached by two 5 mm diameter bolts which passed through the first dorsal fin and were secured on the other side by two washers and nuts. Tags were secured so that the antenna extended out of the water when the fin broke the surface. Transmissions were detected and processed by the ARGOS data collection and location system The accuracy of ARGOS position estimates is coded by location class (LC) 3, 2, 1, 0, A or B, with LC3 being the most reliable with a root mean square error of <150 m. The other numeric LC codes decline in reliability and can be within several kilometres of true (ARGOS 2008). Sharks were caught by longline and, depending on size, either landed on deck for tag attachment or held in a sling at the stern of the vessel while the tag was attached.

Notes

Credit
JD Stevens, PR Last, WT White (CSIRO Marine & Atmospheric Research, Hobart) RB McAuley (Department of Fisheries, Government of Western Australia, Perth) MG Meekan (Australian Institute of Marine Science, Perth)