How to Be Great White Shark Tracker - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 17, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The great white shark is one of the most feared and respected creatures of the ocean. It is a top apex predator and a keystone species in the marine ecosystem. Their presence keeps balance in the food chain and they play a vital role in the health of the ocean.

Unfortunately, the great white shark is also one of the most endangered species in the world. Over-fishing, climate change, habitat destruction, and bycatch are causing their population to decline rapidly. As a result, scientists have been tracking their movements and behavior in order to better understand their needs, as well as create conservation strategies for their protection.

By using satellite tagging and tracking systems, researchers can map out their migration patterns, helping to identify important habitats and feeding grounds, as well as create protected areas. Through this data, researchers can determine what the great white shark needs to survive and thrive, allowing us to better protect them for future generations.

Steps How to Become

Become knowledgeable about Great White Sharks. Start by reading up on the anatomy, behavior, and ecology of the species. Learn about their migration patterns and where they typically can be found.
Obtain certifications in marine science and shark tracking. You may want to consider getting a degree in marine biology or a related field. Alternatively, you can take courses through a certified organization that focuses on teaching people how to study and track sharks.
Secure appropriate permits and licenses. Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain a permit from your local government in order to legally track sharks.
Acquire necessary equipment for tracking sharks. This includes items such as a boat, fish-finder, underwater camera, and other tracking devices.
Research and compile data on Great White Sharks. This includes collecting data on their movements, behaviors, and interactions with other animals in their environment.
Work with conservation organizations and marine researchers to help protect Great White Sharks. Educate the public on the importance of conserving these animals and how they can help by supporting conservation efforts.
Stay current on new technologies and techniques for tracking sharks. This may include attending conferences, workshops, and seminars related to shark tracking and conservation.

The presence of great white sharks in oceans around the world is an important part of the marine ecosystem. Tracking their movements is an essential part of understanding their behavior and helps ensure their long-term survival. To achieve reliable and efficient tracking, scientists have developed innovative technologies such as satellite tagging, camera traps, and acoustic monitoring.

Satellite tagging involves attaching a small device to the shark's fin that transmits its location to satellites; camera traps are placed in strategic locations and triggered by the shark's presence; and acoustic monitoring is a method of tracking sharks using underwater microphones. By using these technologies, scientists can gain valuable insight into the behavior and range of great white sharks, helping to ensure their protection and conservation.

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Job Description

Senior Shark Tracker: Responsible for coordinating the research and tracking of great white shark populations in a designated region. Must be knowledgeable in shark biology, oceanography, and conservation.
Dive Master: Responsible for conducting underwater research of great white sharks and collecting data on their behavior and habitat. Must have experience in scuba diving and be comfortable working in open water.
Research Coordinator: Responsible for analyzing data, creating reports, and presenting findings to supervisors. Must have strong organizational and communication skills.
Outreach Coordinator: Responsible for educating the public on great white shark conservation efforts. Must be creative and have experience in public outreach programs.
Data Analyst: Responsible for managing the data collected from field research and creating models to predict future movements of great white sharks. Must have strong programming skills and experience working with large datasets.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Marine biology
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Remote sensing
GPS tracking
Database management
Data analysis
Statistical modeling
Computer programming
Scientific writing
Project management

A strong knowledge of the behavior of great white sharks is essential to anyone who wishes to successfully track them. A deep understanding of their migration patterns, feeding habits, habitat preferences, and other factors are all necessary in order to accurately predict where the sharks will be and when. Knowing the environmental factors that affect the sharks behavior such as water temperature, salinity, and food availability are also important. By having a thorough knowledge of the species biology and ecology, one can more accurately predict the movements of great white sharks and have a greater chance of successfully tracking them.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have tracking and studying great white sharks?
How do you ensure the safety of both yourself and the sharks when conducting research?
What techniques do you use to track great white sharks?
How do you manage data collection and analysis in the field?
How do you prioritize tasks while working in the field?
Describe a time when you encountered an unexpected challenge while tracking great white sharks.
What strategies do you use to collaborate with other researchers and scientists in the field?
How do you respond when faced with difficult weather conditions while monitoring great white sharks?
How do you use technology to enhance your research?
What unique skills or knowledge do you bring to this position?

Common Tools in Industry

Shark Sightings Map. This tool provides real-time shark sightings, movements and tracking information for great white sharks. (eg: Ocearch Global Shark Tracker)
Satellite Tracking Tags. This tool uses satellite technology to track and monitor the movements of great white sharks. (eg: Wildlife Computers SPOT Tag)
Drones. This tool can be used to locate and monitor the movements of great white sharks in the open ocean. (eg: DJI Phantom 4 Pro)
Acoustic Telemetry Tags. This tool uses acoustic signals to track and monitor the movements of great white sharks. (eg: Vemco V7 Series)
Radio Telemetry Tags. This tool uses radio signals to track and monitor the movements of great white sharks. (eg: Wildlife Computers Argos PTT Tag)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Elasmobranch Society
American Fisheries Society
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Shark Research Institute
Shark Trust
Shark Education
Global Shark Attack File
Project Aware
Pew Charitable Trusts
White Shark Trust

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Common Important Terms

Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias). A large species of shark that is found in coastal waters around the world. It is the largest predatory fish in the ocean and is known for its powerful size and speed.
Marine Tracking. The process of using technology to gather information about the location, movements, and behaviors of marine animals.
Satellite Tracking. A method of marine tracking that uses satellites to transmit signals that can be used to track the movement of marine animals.
Acoustic Tracking. A form of marine tracking in which acoustic receivers are placed in the ocean to detect signals emitted by tags that are attached to marine animals.
Tag and Release. The process of attaching a tag to a marine animal and then releasing it back into its natural habitat, allowing it to be monitored and studied.