Shark Tracker

Track sharks along the coast of Maine!

Scientists at the Department of Marine Resources use acoustic tags and receivers to monitor shark activity across the Gulf of Maine. To illustrate this process, our studio created a custom interactive exhibit that combines laser-cut shark silhouettes, RFID sensors, and a map of the Maine coast with “tracking buoys” represented as LED lights.

Visitors can pick up a shark cutout and move it across the map. As the shark passes near buoys, vibrant LEDs light up, simulating real-time tracking data. A small monitor displays the shark’s latest sightings and basic species information, mimicking the real-world tracking process and providing an engaging and educational experience.

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Custom shark silhouettes showcase the variety of species in the Gulf of Maine.
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Moving near a "buoy" triggers an RFID sensor and lights an LED indicator.
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A small embedded monitor logs the latest sightings for this particular shark.