Sharks are often seen as apex predators, but they can also be unexpected allies for scientists exploring the ocean.
By tracking their movements, researchers have uncovered entire underwater forests that had remained hidden until now. These discoveries reveal not only new habitats but also insights into how marine ecosystems function and how species interact in places humans rarely reach.
This article is for general informational purposes only. Observations of wildlife should be done responsibly, and marine research often requires permits and expert guidance.
1. Sharks Are Natural Explorers
The wandering nature of sharks makes them perfect ocean scouts. Unlike humans who need special equipment to venture deep underwater, sharks navigate these realms effortlessly.
Marine biologists have documented great whites traveling over 20,000 kilometers in a year, crossing entire ocean basins. These marathon journeys often take sharks through unexplored regions where humans have never ventured, providing scientists with a natural guide to hidden marine treasures.
2. Tagging Sharks For Research
Modern shark tags are marvels of marine technology. Some transmit real-time data whenever the shark surfaces, while others store information for months before detaching and floating to the surface for collection.
Scientists at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution pioneered using acceleration data loggers that record not just location but also the shark’s body movements. This technology has revolutionized marine research, turning predators into unwitting research assistants who lead scientists to biodiversity hotspots.
3. Revealing Hidden Forests
A breakthrough came in 2015 when tagged tiger sharks repeatedly visited what appeared to be empty ocean on maps. Curious researchers followed, discovering vast underwater kelp forests spanning hundreds of kilometers off Australia’s coast.
These previously unknown ecosystems were teeming with life. The dense vegetation creates complex habitats similar to terrestrial forests, with different species occupying various vertical layers. Without sharks’ consistent visits to these areas, scientists might have overlooked these vital marine habitats for decades.
4. Understanding Predator-Prey Dynamics
Sharks don’t randomly wander the oceans. Their movements follow sophisticated hunting patterns, often gravitating toward biological hotspots.
When researchers from Dalhousie University analyzed decade-long tracking data, they discovered sharks consistently returned to specific underwater forests. These areas served as nurseries for prey species, creating natural feeding grounds. The concentration of sharks indicated rich biodiversity below, acting as a biological marker that helped scientists identify crucial underwater habitats worth exploring.
5. Protecting Vulnerable Habitats
The discovery of these underwater forests through shark tracking has sparked urgent conservation efforts. Many of these ecosystems face threats from climate change, with warming waters already affecting kelp forests worldwide.
Canadian marine preserves established after shark-led discoveries now protect over 5,000 square kilometers of underwater forests. These protected areas serve as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere. Scientists estimate these newly discovered habitats may capture as much carbon as terrestrial forests, making their protection crucial for climate stability.
6. Using Technology To Explore Safely
Following shark paths into underwater forests requires specialized equipment. Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) now trail behind sharks at a safe distance, recording high-definition footage without human presence disturbing natural behaviors.
The University of British Columbia’s Marine Mammal Research Unit created “SharkCam,” a torpedo-shaped robot that follows tagged sharks. This technology has captured unprecedented footage of sharks interacting with underwater forest ecosystems, revealing complex behaviors previously unknown to science.
7. The Bigger Picture For Ocean Research
Sharks have unwittingly become marine cartographers, mapping ocean regions humans couldn’t efficiently survey alone. Their natural behaviors reveal patterns invisible to satellite imagery.
During a 2019 expedition following mako shark migrations, researchers discovered an underwater forest ecosystem in the North Atlantic that had absorbed significant pollution from nearby industrial areas. This finding helped scientists understand how marine ecosystems process human contaminants. Without the sharks’ guidance, this crucial research site might have remained unknown.
8. Unexpected Discoveries
While tracking a hammerhead shark off Vancouver Island in 2020, marine biologists stumbled upon a previously unknown species of giant kelp that thrives in unusually deep water. This discovery challenged existing knowledge about how photosynthesis works in low-light environments.
The newfound kelp species contains unique compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications. Initial tests suggest these compounds may have anti-inflammatory properties. This serendipitous finding demonstrates how shark-led exploration continues to unlock secrets hidden in underwater forests, potentially benefiting human health.
