Researchers have used ultrasound to monitor the health of free-swimming whale sharks in Australia.
Scientists in Australia have used ultrasounds to monitor the health of free-swimming whale sharks.
The researchers from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) collaborated with several organisations to develop the technique. They used the hand-held ultrasound to scan a dozen whale sharks, giving them a health check.
“I was able to watch a live screen view of their beating heart while holding my breath underwater,” says AIMS’ senior field technician Kim Brooks.
Video: whale shark health check
Gallery: whale shark health check
Dr Mark Meekan and Kim Brooks work in tandem to collect copepods from the mouth of the whale shark, which places the fish in a good position for a liver ultrasound.
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