OCEARCH Shark Tracker™


Rating: 4.2	Downloads: 500,000+
Category: Maps & Navigation	Offer by: Ocearch.org

The OCEARCH Shark Tracker™ is an innovative mobile application, primarily for iOS users, designed to help track the movements and location of tagged Great White, Hammerhead, and Mako sharks globally. It utilizes data shared via satellite or electronic tags (like SPOT® transmitters) affixed to these magnificent creatures. The app provides users with real-time or near-real-time location updates, bringing the ocean’s apex predators into view right on their smartphones.

Key to its appeal is the immediate connection it creates between users and the tracked sharks. The OCEARCH Shark Tracker™ transforms raw data into accessible maps and information, making it invaluable for divers, snorkelers, sailors, and the general public interested in wildlife tracking, ocean conservation efforts, and understanding shark migration patterns.

App Features

Live Map Tracking: View the current location of tagged sharks directly on a world map, often with historical paths shown too. This allows divers and ocean enthusiasts to plan encounters with known shark locations, providing an unparalleled connection to these animals in their natural habitat.
Shark Profile & Details: Each tracked shark has a dedicated profile page displaying its name, species, tag ID, tagging date, approximate size, location history, and the conservation organization involved. This feature significantly aids research and education by offering detailed background information for each individual tracked shark for users wanting to learn more.
Alert System for Known Areas: Set custom geographic alerts for areas where specific tagged sharks are known to frequent (e.g., based on their migration patterns). When a tagged shark enters or leaves these predefined zones, you receive a notification, helping you plan activities or track events like pupping aggregations or feeding grounds.
Sighting Reporting: Users can report their own shark sightings via the app, contributing valuable citizen science data. This enhances the accuracy of the tracking information, benefiting both current users and future research, making it a powerful community tool that improves collective knowledge.
Historical Path Playback: Revisit the entire journey path of a shark, showing its movements over time. This is particularly useful for analyzing migration routes, understanding shark behavior over seasons, or planning dives based on past patterns, adding dynamism and context to the tracking data.
Integration with Tag Technology (Optional Insight): While primarily user-facing, the app is configured to receive signals from SPOT tags or similar satellite tags, demonstrating seamless technological integration that allows for accurate global positioning updates, crucial for the app’s core functionality.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

Real-time Tracking
Engaging User Interface
Extensive Shark Database
Social Sharing & Community Features

Cons:

Device Limitation (iOS Only)
Data Usage Can Be High
Dependent on Tag Transmission
Accuracy Varies by Tag Type

Similar Apps

App Name	Highlights
OCEAN LIFE VIEWER	Offers tracking data for a wider range of marine life beyond just sharks, including turtles and marine birds. Features a robust search function and detailed animal bio information accessible via simple taps.
SHARK SMART (Citizen Science)	Focuses on education and reporting shark sightings. Includes safety tips, information on shark species, and ways to contribute to conservation projects locally and globally, with a map showing verified reports.
MY SHARK TRACKER	Designed for personal use and hobbyists interested in marine tracking. Allows users to create and manage their own tracked items (not necessarily sharks) and share these tracks privately or publicly, with customizable map layers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is OCEARCH Shark Tracker™ available for Android devices?
A: Currently, the OCEARCH Shark Tracker™ app is exclusively available for download and use on iOS devices (iPhone and iPad). We’re exploring options for the future but don’t have a confirmed timeline for Android yet.

Q: How do I find a specific shark on the map within OCEARCH Shark Tracker™?
A: Launch the app and navigate to the main map view or the shark listing page. Tap on the name of the shark you’re looking for, and its current location, historical path (if enabled), and details will update directly on the map display.

Q: Are the locations shown by OCEARCH Shark Tracker™ always accurate, and why does the shark sometimes seem stationary?
A: OCEARCH Shark Tracker™ relies on data transmitted by electronic tags attached to the sharks. Accuracy can vary based on the tag technology (e.g., Argos satellite system used by SPOT tags often has a positional accuracy within a 2-5 km radius). Sharks may appear stationary because the tags only update location at specific times (e.g., when the shark surfaces), or because movement is slow or occurs at depth where tracking is impossible.

Q: How can reporting a shark sighting using OCEARCH Shark Tracker™ help sharks or the environment?
A: Every shark sighting you report via the OCEARCH Shark Tracker™ app adds valuable data points to scientific research and conservation efforts. This information helps OCEARCH understand shark behavior, migration routes, and population distribution, which ultimately supports better protection strategies and management decisions for these vital ocean predators.

Q: What should I do if I see a shark tagged by OCEARCH but it’s not listed on the Shark Tracker™ app?
A: First, try refreshing the app or waiting an hour, as there might be a slight delay in data transmission. If it still doesn’t show up, you can report your sighting directly using the app’s built-in reporting feature (found under the shark profile or general reporting section). This ensures OCEARCH is aware of your observation and can update their tracking system accordingly.