Real-Time Data Resources from Ocean Observing Systems
Animal Tracking
Most of the observatory datasets listed so far have focused on physical measurements of the ocean or on optical measurements of small biological organisms like phytoplankton. By also studying large marine organisms, such as whales, turtles, dolphins, salmon and tuna, scientists can learn more about the marine ecosystem, studying both the top and bottom of the food chain. Understanding the migration and feeding patterns of marine organisms helps policy makers manage fisheries better.
To track large animals (like turtles, whales and sharks) scientists attach a temporary radio transmitter to the animal that can be detected by satellites when the animal surfaces, thus reveling the animal’s current location in real-time. Sometimes scientists also use data-loggers, which track an animal’s depth (along with other factors like temperature and salinity) to study how the animal forages for food on its dives. In coastal areas, small acoustic transmitters can be surgically inserted into organisms (like stripped bass, flounder and sharks), which in turn can be tracked by using an array of hydrophones (underwater microphones) that listen for when fish are nearby.
- StriperTracker
Geared specifically towards classroom audiences, this site features several lesson plans to help guide students through the real-time tracing data on over 100 striped bass within the Great Bay Estuary in New Jersey. Many of the fish were sponsored by. - WhaleNet
Real-time tracking maps of Atlantic seals, turtles, dolphins and more are available on this site, along with educational pages for students and resources for teachers. Also includes an “ask the scientist” section. - Tagging
of Pacific Pelagics
Real-time tracks of sharks, seals and turtles in the Pacific Ocean are shown overlain on maps of SST and Chlorophyll. This site is ideal for studying the feeding and migration patterns of different species and how these might related to temperature and food availability. - Sea
Turtle Tracking
Another good site with an archive of turtle tracking maps and information. Some teacher resources are available. - Signals
of Spring
Developed by NASA, this educational program contains many lesson focused on marine and terrestrial animal tracking.
