Over the past number of weeks, Ningaloo Outlook, the strategic marine research partnership between BHP Billiton and the CSIRO, has been conducting a comprehensive whale shark, reef shark and marine turtle tagging and tracking program. The tagging program has resulted in 33 turtles, 20 reef sharks and 7 whale sharks being tagged in a week. 

The incorporation of these three animals in a single research program will provide scientists with data to understand the lives and habits of animals which play different roles in the Ningaloo ecosystem and are reliant on different ecological processes to thrive. The data gathered will contribute to the development of the most complete picture yet of the health of Ningaloo Reef. 

The programme will use satellite and acoustic tagging and tracking technology to learn about the diets and migratory pathways these large marine species. Satellite tracking is the only practical way to completely map the routes of these animals as their migratory routes may extend for many thousands of kilometres. 

Research on these animals is important to minimise the impact of human activity. Whale shark, reef shark and marine turtle all exhibit behaviours which make them particularly sensitive to the activities of other marine users; whale sharks often swim close to the surface, juvenile reef sharks aggregate in shallow water and sea turtles nest on beaches. By understanding their lifecycle and the locations where they aggregate, strategies can be developed to minimise human impacts on these creatures.

Ningaloo Outlook is engaging with the Exmouth community in northern Western Australia to  participate in the tagging campaign and add their local knowledge to the program. Reef and whale sharks will be tagged on the water while sea turtles will be tagged on land. 

Web-based resources to track tagged turtles via the internet in real time will be utilised to encourage and enable community participation and increase awareness of the research program.