Simple criteria to determine detachment point of towed satellite tags provide first evidence of return migrations of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) at the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Researchers have uncovered the first evidence of return migrations in whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) at the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. By analyzing data from towed satellite tags attached to three large female whale sharks, scientists developed criteria to distinguish between tracks of attached and detached tags. One shark was tracked for an unprecedented 167 days, traveling 1,650 km west before returning to Darwin Island, demonstrating a homing migration behavior. The study also found that two other sharks returned to the same site. The research utilized SPOT-5 and SPLASH satellite tags, comparing their tracks with those of floating tags released at the same location. Key indicators for tag detachment included changes in daily transmission timing, location quality, and consistency with surface temperature or depth records. This discovery sheds light on the migratory patterns of whale sharks, a species listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.

Hearn, A. R., Green, J. R., Espinoza, E., Peñaherrera, C., Acuña, D., & Klimley, A. (2013). Simple criteria to determine detachment point of towed satellite tags provide first evidence of return migrations of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) at the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. Animal Biotelemetry, 1(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/2050-3385-1-11