Greenland shark tagging study (Somniosus microcephalus)

In the present study, we will investigate the movements, behaviour and feeding ecology of the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) using a combination of biotelemetry and bio-logging technologies, allowing us to record acceleration, temperature, depth, prey fields and ambient sound on wild free-roaming sharks. One of our primary goals is to use biologging data to study the foraging patterns of this species and to identify specific feeding events and interactions with conspecifics throughout each 1-7 day deployment. Additionally, pop-up archival satellite tags will be deployed for periods of up to one year and acoustic tags externally attached and surgically implanted internally in order to assess the interconnectedness of the Canadian and European populations and to understand their vertical movements and temperature preferences over long time periods. Recent work has suggested that there is potentially a high degree of regional and ontogenetic variation in movements and prey interactions across Greenland sharks. As such, the third aim of this work is to compare the data collected from tagged sharks in Svalbard with those previously collected in the Eastern Canadian Arctic. Finally, a fin clip and blood sample will be taken from each individual for genetics and chemical tracer work. Given the goal of our experiments is to record the natural behaviour of Greenland sharks, the tagging process will be rapid (~15 minutes), cause minimal distress, and does not require recapture of experimental animals. These data are essential in order to demystify the movements and ecological role of this vulnerable and understudied species, especially in light of climate change and growing pressures from expanding commercial fisheries in many parts of the Arctic.