From sharks to bears via eagles the tagged animal species

by Davide Madeddu

19 February 2026

Squalo ripreso per la prima volta nelle profondità dell'Antartide

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

From sharks and turtles to eagles and bears. And then other animals whose movements become important for the study of behaviour and the environment. Research organisations or non-governmental associations are involved in studying them by means of microchips, satellite tags or acoustic transmitters, collars and other devices.

Sharks under control

Among them, studying sharks is the Ocearch, which tracks the movements of white sharks with 'spot tags' attached to the dorsal fin. A tool that can make all movements known in real time.

Also operating in the USA is Noaa Fischieries, which employs around 3,000 employees including scientists, policy makers and law enforcement officers, located across the country. Noaa operates the Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.

In Italy there is the Centro studi Squali that carries out shark study, conservation and educational activities for students, researchers and the general public.

The Shark Study Centre - Scientific Institute is part of the Tuscan Observatory for Biodiversity network promoted by the Region of Tuscany.

The concern for whales

The research landscape then sees the study of whales and cetaceans.

One of the largest organisations is the Ocean Alliance, which uses 'non-invasive' technologies ranging from drones to satellite tags to study and monitor both the movements and routes of cetaceans.

In the Mediterranean there is the Tethys Research Institute that focuses on the conservation of cetaceans in the Mediterranean, including sperm whales and minke whales.

"Since 2015, Tethys has developed several projects focused on radio and satellite tracking of marine mammals," the organisation writes in its references, "with a focus on minke whales (Balaenoptera physalus).

The Telemetry Lab, established in 2024, brings these activities into a unified framework, including Tethys-led initiatives, international collaborations and consultancy services'.

Radiocollars for bears

There is also monitoring of other animals. These include bears.

In Italia, monitoring with radio collars is carried out by the parks. On the international scene operates the Polar Bears International, a leading organisation in polar bear research, using Gps collars and new temporary methods such as 'burr on fur'. Then there is also the International Association for Bear Research and Management, a global community of biologists dealing with tagging and management.

Rapids and eagles

In Europe there are several projects for the conservation of Bonelli's or Golden Eagles involving satellite tagging to monitor young specimens.

The'Hawk Mountain Sanctuary uses miniaturised satellite transmitters, while the US. Geological Survey carries out monitoring studies in the US using ringing and Gps tracking.