NEWARK, Delaware: Scientists are now using sharks to collect ocean data that could help predict how strong hurricanes will be before they reach land.

Researchers from the University of Delaware are studying whether sharks can act like moving data collectors in the ocean. These sharks carry small sensors that record important information about the water, such as temperature, salt levels, and depth. This data can then be used to improve weather and climate models.

The devices, known as CTD tags, are attached to the sharks and work as the animals swim and dive. They measure electrical conductivity, which helps scientists understand how salty the water is, along with temperature and depth.

A lead researcher explained that similar technology has already been used on other marine animals, especially in remote areas where it is hard for scientists to gather data. Sharks are now being used because they are found in many parts of the ocean and are easier to study than some protected species.

Until now, tagging sharks mainly helped researchers track where they travel and what habitats they use. In this project, scientists are selecting species most useful for hurricane research. These include shortfin mako sharks, blue sharks, smooth hammerheads, and young great white sharks, especially in the North Atlantic. These species often come close to the surface, allowing the tags to send data to satellites.

The study focuses on the ocean's upper layer, which plays a key role in hurricane intensity. Warmer water in this layer can fuel stronger storms, so measuring its heat content is very important.

The tagging work begins around May, when many migratory sharks move closer to coastal areas. Research teams travel several miles offshore, set baited lines, and wait for sharks to take the bait. Once a shark is caught, the team quickly attaches the tag to its dorsal fin. The process is done carefully and usually takes only a few minutes.

The sensors send information to satellites whenever the shark surfaces. The tags are designed to fall off over time, and each shark is checked to make sure it is healthy before being released back into the ocean.

Researchers say sharks are often shown as dangerous in films and popular culture, but their real behavior is much calmer. One scientist described the tagged sharks as doing routine work rather than anything dramatic, comparing them to an ordinary office worker collecting daily data.

The project is still in its early stages, but if successful, it could help improve forecasts of hurricane strength along the U.S. East Coast. This would give coastal communities better information to prepare for storms and reduce damage.

Scientists also hope the research will change how people see sharks. Carlisle said, "They are amazing animals perfectly adapted to the ocean, and we can learn a huge amount from them. If we can show that sharks can help people, it's a win-win situation."