Shark tagging is a research method where specially created tags with unique purposes are attached to sharks. Shark tagging helps organizations track sharks movements, when and where they use coastal habitats, distances they migrate, where they migrate to, population size, and how they are distributed. These tags also allow marine biologists to help with shark conservation. The tagging does not harm the sharks at all. The STA Marine Biology Club participates in multiple shark tagging trips per year with the University of Miami Shark Research. Students can participate in one of these trips by joining the Marine Biology Club and receive service hours for going on the trip. This trip is a great learning experience especially for students interested in marine life. 

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service is one of the main organizations that uses shark tagging. There are three different types of tags that are used on sharks. Dart tags which are used on large sharks, Roto tags which are used on moderate to large sharks, and Spaghetti tags which are 

used on small sharks. These tags can last up to a decade. They are fitted to the dorsal fin and can send a signal each time the fin comes out of the water. More than 295,000 of more than 50 species of sharks have been tagged. To help out with shark tagging, you can donate to https://sharkresearch.earth.miami.edu/donate/.