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Methods for tagging whale sharks: insights into performance and best practices with a focus on clamp attachments

Freya C. Womersley, Sofia Green, Alberto Garcia-Baciero, Ronan Conlon, Amy L. Jeffries, Matt J. Waller, Sara S. Ratão, Nuno Queiroz, Pedro Afonso, Gonzalo Araujo, Adam Barnett, Christine Barry, Michael L. Berumen, Farukhkha Bloch, Ginevra Boldrocchi, Camrin D. Braun, Ryan Caillouet, Constance Chapman, Jesse E. M. Cochran, Rafael de la Parra, Stella Diamant, Alistair D. M. Dove, Matthew Dunbabin, Mark V. Erdmann, Luciana C. Ferreira, Richard Fitzpatrick, Jorge Fontes, Adrian C. Gleiss, Jonathan R. Green, Lucas P. Griffin, Curtice R. Griffin, Royale S. Hardenstine, Abdi Hassan, Alex R. Hearn, Jill M. Hendon, Mochamad Iqbal Herwata Putra, Eric Hoffmayer, Lisa Hoopes, Robert E. Hueter, Sajan John, Jake Levenson, Sonny Lewis, Bruno C. L. Macena, Mark G. Meekan, Ingo B. Miller, Brad Norman, Jens Paulsen, Cameron Perry, Simon J. Pierce, Samantha D. Reynolds, David P. Robinson, Christoph A. Rohner, Jennifer Schmidt, Edy Setyawan, Abraham B. Sianipar, Jamison Smith, Simon R. Thorrold, Michele Thums, Rory Wilson Orcid Logo, Emily J. Southall, David W. Sims

Animal Biotelemetry

Swansea University Author: Rory Wilson Orcid Logo

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DOI (Published version): 10.1186/s40317-026-00462-4

Abstract

Background: Biologging and telemetry have transformed our understanding of marine megafauna movement ecology. Yet, methodological constraints continue to limit data quality and deployment duration. Devices recording whale shark (Rhincodon typus) behaviours and movements have been used for decades, b...

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Published in: Animal Biotelemetry
ISSN: 2050-3385
Published: Springer Nature 2026
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URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71708
first_indexed 2026-04-01T22:01:46Z
last_indexed 2026-05-08T04:11:19Z
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Recently, spring-loaded clamp-based systems have emerged as one of the most widely used approaches to attach electronic tags to the fins of this globally endangered species. Currently, however, no consensus guidelines exist as to how to optimise this approach, potentially leading to continued underperforming deployments limiting analysis potential. Here, we synthesise experiences with clamp-based tagging worldwide through a targeted survey of whale shark researchers. We explore performance and challenges with a view to propose current best practices in the field. Results: Whale shark researcher responses to the survey highlighted clamp-based systems as a practical and more widely applicable approach than drill-based methods, which are often used to secure tags to other large sharks. They also noted that clamps have greater retention potential and are suitable for a wider range of tags compared to dart-based methods, but are still constrained by design, placement, and deployment conditions. Researchers used a variety of materials and designs to build their own clamps, often facilitated by direct collaboration with each other or key manufacturers. Clamps produced highly variable outcomes, ranging from successful long-term satellite transmissions over 200 days and short-term biologging for 48 h at 20 Hz, to premature detachment and cases of fin damage. For long-term clamps, changes in position on the fin allowed for more stable satellite transmissions over time. Some clamp designs achieved data quantity and quality close to that of drilled deployments, demonstrating their potential to rival traditional methods while offering a less invasive approach. Results emphasised the ongoing need for technological refinement and rigorous evaluation of clamp performance and associated impacts. Conclusions: Based on collective insights, we present a unified approach to clamp design and positioning, and identify key priorities for advancing this attachment technology, such as aiming for positions b-2 and c-2 on the fin and ensuring the clamp bridge distance (always between 30 and 50 mm) and tension are matched to shark size. Optimising clamp systems could substantially improve our ability to generate high-quality, long-duration movement data while minimising tagging impacts on the animal where possible. This could enhance ecological and conservation research outcomes for endangered whale sharks, with broader implications for tagging other large-bodied marine megafauna.</abstract><type>Journal Article</type><journal>Animal Biotelemetry</journal><volume>0</volume><journalNumber/><paginationStart/><paginationEnd/><publisher>Springer Nature</publisher><placeOfPublication/><isbnPrint/><isbnElectronic/><issnPrint/><issnElectronic>2050-3385</issnElectronic><keywords>Animal movement; Spatial ecology; Satellite tracking; Biologging technology; Rhincodon typus; Minimally-invasive techniques; Conservation technology</keywords><publishedDay>5</publishedDay><publishedMonth>5</publishedMonth><publishedYear>2026</publishedYear><publishedDate>2026-05-05</publishedDate><doi>10.1186/s40317-026-00462-4</doi><url/><notes>Methodology</notes><college>COLLEGE NANME</college><department>Biosciences Geography and Physics School</department><CollegeCode>COLLEGE CODE</CollegeCode><DepartmentCode>BGPS</DepartmentCode><institution>Swansea University</institution><apcterm>Another institution paid the OA fee</apcterm><funders>F.C.W., R.C., A.J., M.W., E.J.S., and D.W.S. were supported by a European Research Council Advanced Grant (no.883583 OCEAN DEOXYFISH) awarded to D.W.S within the European Union Horizon 2020 Research Programme. D.W.S. is supported by a Marine Biological Association Senior Research Fellowship.</funders><projectreference/><lastEdited>2026-05-06T13:29:31.0513555</lastEdited><Created>2026-04-01T21:04:37.6025330</Created><path><level id="1">Faculty of Science and Engineering</level><level id="2">School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics - Biosciences</level></path><authors><author><firstname>Freya C.</firstname><surname>Womersley</surname><order>1</order></author><author><firstname>Sofia</firstname><surname>Green</surname><order>2</order></author><author><firstname>Alberto</firstname><surname>Garcia-Baciero</surname><order>3</order></author><author><firstname>Ronan</firstname><surname>Conlon</surname><order>4</order></author><author><firstname>Amy L.</firstname><surname>Jeffries</surname><order>5</order></author><author><firstname>Matt J.</firstname><surname>Waller</surname><order>6</order></author><author><firstname>Sara S.</firstname><surname>Rat&#xE3;o</surname><order>7</order></author><author><firstname>Nuno</firstname><surname>Queiroz</surname><order>8</order></author><author><firstname>Pedro</firstname><surname>Afonso</surname><order>9</order></author><author><firstname>Gonzalo</firstname><surname>Araujo</surname><order>10</order></author><author><firstname>Adam</firstname><surname>Barnett</surname><order>11</order></author><author><firstname>Christine</firstname><surname>Barry</surname><order>12</order></author><author><firstname>Michael L.</firstname><surname>Berumen</surname><order>13</order></author><author><firstname>Farukhkha</firstname><surname>Bloch</surname><order>14</order></author><author><firstname>Ginevra</firstname><surname>Boldrocchi</surname><order>15</order></author><author><firstname>Camrin D.</firstname><surname>Braun</surname><order>16</order></author><author><firstname>Ryan</firstname><surname>Caillouet</surname><order>17</order></author><author><firstname>Constance</firstname><surname>Chapman</surname><order>18</order></author><author><firstname>Jesse E. M.</firstname><surname>Cochran</surname><order>19</order></author><author><firstname>Rafael de la</firstname><surname>Parra</surname><order>20</order></author><author><firstname>Stella</firstname><surname>Diamant</surname><order>21</order></author><author><firstname>Alistair D. M.</firstname><surname>Dove</surname><order>22</order></author><author><firstname>Matthew</firstname><surname>Dunbabin</surname><order>23</order></author><author><firstname>Mark V.</firstname><surname>Erdmann</surname><order>24</order></author><author><firstname>Luciana C.</firstname><surname>Ferreira</surname><order>25</order></author><author><firstname>Richard</firstname><surname>Fitzpatrick</surname><order>26</order></author><author><firstname>Jorge</firstname><surname>Fontes</surname><order>27</order></author><author><firstname>Adrian C.</firstname><surname>Gleiss</surname><order>28</order></author><author><firstname>Jonathan R.</firstname><surname>Green</surname><order>29</order></author><author><firstname>Lucas P.</firstname><surname>Griffin</surname><order>30</order></author><author><firstname>Curtice R.</firstname><surname>Griffin</surname><order>31</order></author><author><firstname>Royale S.</firstname><surname>Hardenstine</surname><order>32</order></author><author><firstname>Abdi</firstname><surname>Hassan</surname><order>33</order></author><author><firstname>Alex R.</firstname><surname>Hearn</surname><order>34</order></author><author><firstname>Jill M.</firstname><surname>Hendon</surname><order>35</order></author><author><firstname>Mochamad Iqbal Herwata</firstname><surname>Putra</surname><order>36</order></author><author><firstname>Eric</firstname><surname>Hoffmayer</surname><order>37</order></author><author><firstname>Lisa</firstname><surname>Hoopes</surname><order>38</order></author><author><firstname>Robert E.</firstname><surname>Hueter</surname><order>39</order></author><author><firstname>Sajan</firstname><surname>John</surname><order>40</order></author><author><firstname>Jake</firstname><surname>Levenson</surname><order>41</order></author><author><firstname>Sonny</firstname><surname>Lewis</surname><order>42</order></author><author><firstname>Bruno C. 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spelling 2026-05-06T13:29:31.0513555 v2 71708 2026-04-01 Methods for tagging whale sharks: insights into performance and best practices with a focus on clamp attachments 017bc6dd155098860945dc6249c4e9bc 0000-0003-3177-0177 Rory Wilson Rory Wilson true false 2026-04-01 BGPS Background: Biologging and telemetry have transformed our understanding of marine megafauna movement ecology. Yet, methodological constraints continue to limit data quality and deployment duration. Devices recording whale shark (Rhincodon typus) behaviours and movements have been used for decades, but they remain challenging to deploy and vary in success. Recently, spring-loaded clamp-based systems have emerged as one of the most widely used approaches to attach electronic tags to the fins of this globally endangered species. Currently, however, no consensus guidelines exist as to how to optimise this approach, potentially leading to continued underperforming deployments limiting analysis potential. Here, we synthesise experiences with clamp-based tagging worldwide through a targeted survey of whale shark researchers. We explore performance and challenges with a view to propose current best practices in the field. Results: Whale shark researcher responses to the survey highlighted clamp-based systems as a practical and more widely applicable approach than drill-based methods, which are often used to secure tags to other large sharks. They also noted that clamps have greater retention potential and are suitable for a wider range of tags compared to dart-based methods, but are still constrained by design, placement, and deployment conditions. Researchers used a variety of materials and designs to build their own clamps, often facilitated by direct collaboration with each other or key manufacturers. Clamps produced highly variable outcomes, ranging from successful long-term satellite transmissions over 200 days and short-term biologging for 48 h at 20 Hz, to premature detachment and cases of fin damage. For long-term clamps, changes in position on the fin allowed for more stable satellite transmissions over time. Some clamp designs achieved data quantity and quality close to that of drilled deployments, demonstrating their potential to rival traditional methods while offering a less invasive approach. Results emphasised the ongoing need for technological refinement and rigorous evaluation of clamp performance and associated impacts. Conclusions: Based on collective insights, we present a unified approach to clamp design and positioning, and identify key priorities for advancing this attachment technology, such as aiming for positions b-2 and c-2 on the fin and ensuring the clamp bridge distance (always between 30 and 50 mm) and tension are matched to shark size. Optimising clamp systems could substantially improve our ability to generate high-quality, long-duration movement data while minimising tagging impacts on the animal where possible. This could enhance ecological and conservation research outcomes for endangered whale sharks, with broader implications for tagging other large-bodied marine megafauna. Journal Article Animal Biotelemetry 0 Springer Nature 2050-3385 Animal movement; Spatial ecology; Satellite tracking; Biologging technology; Rhincodon typus; Minimally-invasive techniques; Conservation technology 5 5 2026 2026-05-05 10.1186/s40317-026-00462-4 Methodology COLLEGE NANME Biosciences Geography and Physics School COLLEGE CODE BGPS Swansea University Another institution paid the OA fee F.C.W., R.C., A.J., M.W., E.J.S., and D.W.S. were supported by a European Research Council Advanced Grant (no.883583 OCEAN DEOXYFISH) awarded to D.W.S within the European Union Horizon 2020 Research Programme. D.W.S. is supported by a Marine Biological Association Senior Research Fellowship. 2026-05-06T13:29:31.0513555 2026-04-01T21:04:37.6025330 Faculty of Science and Engineering School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics - Biosciences Freya C. Womersley 1 Sofia Green 2 Alberto Garcia-Baciero 3 Ronan Conlon 4 Amy L. Jeffries 5 Matt J. Waller 6 Sara S. Ratão 7 Nuno Queiroz 8 Pedro Afonso 9 Gonzalo Araujo 10 Adam Barnett 11 Christine Barry 12 Michael L. Berumen 13 Farukhkha Bloch 14 Ginevra Boldrocchi 15 Camrin D. Braun 16 Ryan Caillouet 17 Constance Chapman 18 Jesse E. M. Cochran 19 Rafael de la Parra 20 Stella Diamant 21 Alistair D. M. Dove 22 Matthew Dunbabin 23 Mark V. Erdmann 24 Luciana C. Ferreira 25 Richard Fitzpatrick 26 Jorge Fontes 27 Adrian C. Gleiss 28 Jonathan R. Green 29 Lucas P. Griffin 30 Curtice R. Griffin 31 Royale S. Hardenstine 32 Abdi Hassan 33 Alex R. Hearn 34 Jill M. Hendon 35 Mochamad Iqbal Herwata Putra 36 Eric Hoffmayer 37 Lisa Hoopes 38 Robert E. Hueter 39 Sajan John 40 Jake Levenson 41 Sonny Lewis 42 Bruno C. L. Macena 43 Mark G. Meekan 44 Ingo B. Miller 45 Brad Norman 46 Jens Paulsen 47 Cameron Perry 48 Simon J. Pierce 49 Samantha D. Reynolds 50 David P. Robinson 51 Christoph A. Rohner 52 Jennifer Schmidt 53 Edy Setyawan 54 Abraham B. Sianipar 55 Jamison Smith 56 Simon R. Thorrold 57 Michele Thums 58 Rory Wilson 0000-0003-3177-0177 59 Emily J. Southall 60 David W. Sims 61
title Methods for tagging whale sharks: insights into performance and best practices with a focus on clamp attachments
spellingShingle Methods for tagging whale sharks: insights into performance and best practices with a focus on clamp attachments
Rory Wilson
title_short Methods for tagging whale sharks: insights into performance and best practices with a focus on clamp attachments
title_full Methods for tagging whale sharks: insights into performance and best practices with a focus on clamp attachments
title_fullStr Methods for tagging whale sharks: insights into performance and best practices with a focus on clamp attachments
title_full_unstemmed Methods for tagging whale sharks: insights into performance and best practices with a focus on clamp attachments
title_sort Methods for tagging whale sharks: insights into performance and best practices with a focus on clamp attachments
author_id_str_mv 017bc6dd155098860945dc6249c4e9bc
author_id_fullname_str_mv 017bc6dd155098860945dc6249c4e9bc_***_Rory Wilson
author Rory Wilson
author2 Freya C. Womersley
Sofia Green
Alberto Garcia-Baciero
Ronan Conlon
Amy L. Jeffries
Matt J. Waller
Sara S. Ratão
Nuno Queiroz
Pedro Afonso
Gonzalo Araujo
Adam Barnett
Christine Barry
Michael L. Berumen
Farukhkha Bloch
Ginevra Boldrocchi
Camrin D. Braun
Ryan Caillouet
Constance Chapman
Jesse E. M. Cochran
Rafael de la Parra
Stella Diamant
Alistair D. M. Dove
Matthew Dunbabin
Mark V. Erdmann
Luciana C. Ferreira
Richard Fitzpatrick
Jorge Fontes
Adrian C. Gleiss
Jonathan R. Green
Lucas P. Griffin
Curtice R. Griffin
Royale S. Hardenstine
Abdi Hassan
Alex R. Hearn
Jill M. Hendon
Mochamad Iqbal Herwata Putra
Eric Hoffmayer
Lisa Hoopes
Robert E. Hueter
Sajan John
Jake Levenson
Sonny Lewis
Bruno C. L. Macena
Mark G. Meekan
Ingo B. Miller
Brad Norman
Jens Paulsen
Cameron Perry
Simon J. Pierce
Samantha D. Reynolds
David P. Robinson
Christoph A. Rohner
Jennifer Schmidt
Edy Setyawan
Abraham B. Sianipar
Jamison Smith
Simon R. Thorrold
Michele Thums
Rory Wilson
Emily J. Southall
David W. Sims
format Journal article
container_title Animal Biotelemetry
container_volume 0
publishDate 2026
institution Swansea University
issn 2050-3385
doi_str_mv 10.1186/s40317-026-00462-4
publisher Springer Nature
college_str Faculty of Science and Engineering
hierarchytype
hierarchy_top_id facultyofscienceandengineering
hierarchy_top_title Faculty of Science and Engineering
hierarchy_parent_id facultyofscienceandengineering
hierarchy_parent_title Faculty of Science and Engineering
department_str School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics - Biosciences{{{_:::_}}}Faculty of Science and Engineering{{{_:::_}}}School of Biosciences, Geography and Physics - Biosciences
document_store_str 0
active_str 0
description Background: Biologging and telemetry have transformed our understanding of marine megafauna movement ecology. Yet, methodological constraints continue to limit data quality and deployment duration. Devices recording whale shark (Rhincodon typus) behaviours and movements have been used for decades, but they remain challenging to deploy and vary in success. Recently, spring-loaded clamp-based systems have emerged as one of the most widely used approaches to attach electronic tags to the fins of this globally endangered species. Currently, however, no consensus guidelines exist as to how to optimise this approach, potentially leading to continued underperforming deployments limiting analysis potential. Here, we synthesise experiences with clamp-based tagging worldwide through a targeted survey of whale shark researchers. We explore performance and challenges with a view to propose current best practices in the field. Results: Whale shark researcher responses to the survey highlighted clamp-based systems as a practical and more widely applicable approach than drill-based methods, which are often used to secure tags to other large sharks. They also noted that clamps have greater retention potential and are suitable for a wider range of tags compared to dart-based methods, but are still constrained by design, placement, and deployment conditions. Researchers used a variety of materials and designs to build their own clamps, often facilitated by direct collaboration with each other or key manufacturers. Clamps produced highly variable outcomes, ranging from successful long-term satellite transmissions over 200 days and short-term biologging for 48 h at 20 Hz, to premature detachment and cases of fin damage. For long-term clamps, changes in position on the fin allowed for more stable satellite transmissions over time. Some clamp designs achieved data quantity and quality close to that of drilled deployments, demonstrating their potential to rival traditional methods while offering a less invasive approach. Results emphasised the ongoing need for technological refinement and rigorous evaluation of clamp performance and associated impacts. Conclusions: Based on collective insights, we present a unified approach to clamp design and positioning, and identify key priorities for advancing this attachment technology, such as aiming for positions b-2 and c-2 on the fin and ensuring the clamp bridge distance (always between 30 and 50 mm) and tension are matched to shark size. Optimising clamp systems could substantially improve our ability to generate high-quality, long-duration movement data while minimising tagging impacts on the animal where possible. This could enhance ecological and conservation research outcomes for endangered whale sharks, with broader implications for tagging other large-bodied marine megafauna.
published_date 2026-05-05T06:05:09Z
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score 11.104242

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