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Australia is home to about 170 shark species, from the world's largest, the whale shark, to one of the smallest, the pygmy shark. The Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, is a hotspot of shark diversity in Australia with more than 50 species. Australia has the second-highest number of shark attacks, with 877 shark attacks recorded since 1791, and 216 of these have been fatal. However, the chances of a shark encounter are quite rare, and you are more likely to get struck by lightning than meet a shark.
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What You'll Learn
- Shark species in Australia: whale, pygmy, great white, tiger, bull
- Shark sizes: whale sharks can be 12-18m long, weighing 21.5 tonnes
- Shark reproduction: oviparous, viviparous, ovoviviparous
- Shark attacks: Australia has the second-highest number of shark attacks
- Shark sightings: controversial mesh nets and drones have been used to restore confidence
Shark species in Australia: whale, pygmy, great white, tiger, bull
Australia is home to a variety of shark species, including the whale shark, pygmy shark, great white shark, tiger shark, and bull shark. Each of these species exhibits unique characteristics and plays a significant role in the country's marine ecosystems.
Let's begin with the whale shark, which is the largest known extant fish species and can reach lengths of up to 18.8 meters (61.7 feet). These gentle giants are filter feeders with very large mouths and are often seen in the warm, tropical oceans of Australia. Whale sharks are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
In contrast, the pygmy shark is one of the smallest shark species, with females reaching up to 25 cm (10 in) and males about 22 cm (8.7 in) in length. They are ovoviviparous, giving birth to litters of around eight young.
The great white shark, or Carcharodon carcharias, is a threatened species that faces dangers from commercial and amateur fishing. It is a fearsome predator with a reputation for attacking other sharks, including bull sharks.
Bull sharks, or Carcharhinus leucas, are known for their ability to adapt to both saltwater and freshwater environments. They are apex predators with a diverse diet, ranging from bony fish and small sharks to turtles and birds. Bull sharks are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, facing threats such as fishing and habitat pollution.
Lastly, the tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvier, is the second-largest predatory shark species, reaching lengths of up to 7.4 meters (24 feet) and weighing over 3,000 kilograms. They are apex predators with a broad diet, including large marine mammals, turtles, and seabirds. Tiger sharks are identified by their distinctive dentition, with sharp, pronounced serrations on their teeth.
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Shark sizes: whale sharks can be 12-18m long, weighing 21.5 tonnes
Whale sharks are the largest known extant fish species, with the largest confirmed individual measuring 18.8 metres (61.7 feet) in length. Whale sharks are unique among sharks in that their mouths are located at the front of their heads, and they have very large mouths. Whale sharks are filter feeders, and their mouths can stretch to four feet wide, containing over 300 rows of tiny teeth and 20 filter pads. They are slow-moving creatures, reaching speeds of just three miles per hour.
Whale sharks are found in marine environments worldwide, particularly in tropical oceans. They are rarely found in water below 21°C (70°F). Whale sharks are the only species of the genus Rhincodon and are classified within the order Orectolobiformes, a group containing the carpet sharks. Whale sharks are not closely related to whales, despite their name. The name "whale shark" refers to the animal's appearance and large size.
Whale sharks are long-lived, with lifespans estimated to range from 60 to 150 years. Whale sharks are slow to reach sexual maturity, with limited evidence suggesting that sexual maturity occurs around 8 to 9 metres (26 to 30 feet) in length. Whale sharks give birth to live young, with each litter containing about 16 young, though litters of many more are possible.
Whale sharks are under threat from various human activities, including overfishing, plastic pollution, and climate change. Whale shark tourism is an important source of income for some communities, and organisations like the WWF are working to protect these creatures and their habitats.
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Shark reproduction: oviparous, viviparous, ovoviviparous
Sharks in Australia vary in size, from the world's largest shark, the whale shark, to one of the smallest, the pygmy shark. The largest measured whale shark specimen was 12.65 m long and weighed 21.5 tonnes, but it is believed that whale sharks can grow up to 18 metres in length. In contrast, the great white shark, which is responsible for most unprovoked attacks on humans, grows up to 6m long and weighs up to 2.2 tonnes.
Sharks reproduce in several ways, including oviparous, viviparous, and ovoviviparous methods. Oviparous reproduction involves the female shark depositing eggs in the ocean, which will hatch later if they are not eaten by predators. About 40% of all sharks reproduce in this way, including the Port Jackson shark, which lays spiral-shaped eggs.
Viviparous reproduction occurs when the egg is developed inside the womb, resulting in a live birth similar to humans. The shark pups hatch inside the womb and receive nourishment from a placenta connected to an umbilical cord located between the pectoral fins. Viviparous sharks have a gestation period ranging from 7 months to 3 years and typically give birth to small litters of 2-20 pups, depending on the species. Examples of viviparous sharks include Bull sharks, Whitetip reef sharks, and Hammerheads.
Ovoviviparous reproduction combines elements of oviparous and viviparous methods. In this mode, the eggs hatch within the uterus, and the female shark gives birth to live pups. The grey nurse shark (Carcharias taurus) is an example of an ovoviviparous species.
In rare cases, sharks can also reproduce asexually, without any contact with a male. This method limits genetic diversity but may be useful for propagating the species when under environmental stress.
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Shark attacks: Australia has the second-highest number of shark attacks
Australia has recorded the second-highest number of shark attacks in the world, with the United States taking the lead. According to the Australian Shark Attack File, there have been 877 shark attacks in the country since record-keeping began in 1791, with 216 of those proving fatal. This accounts for about 30% of all shark attacks resulting in death.
The Australian Shark-Incident Database, however, records a lower number of fatal shark attacks in the country between 1791 and April 2018, with 237 fatalities. In 2020 and 2021, there were 11 fatal shark attacks in Australia. The reasons for the rise in shark bites in Australia remain a topic of debate. One theory attributes it to the growing human population in coastal areas and the increase in water-based activities such as surfing and diving. Environmental factors, such as changes in water temperature, reduced water clarity in certain regions, and climate change, are also considered potential contributors.
The most common species of sharks in Australia include the white shark, tiger shark, bull shark, whale shark, basking shark, and great white shark. The great white shark is the largest flesh-eating shark in the world and is responsible for the majority of unprovoked attacks on humans. The bull shark is particularly dangerous because it can survive in both saltwater and freshwater, increasing its potential for attacks. Tiger sharks are historically responsible for the second-highest number of attacks on humans, as they often hunt in shallow waters and are easily provoked.
To reduce the risk of shark attacks, the Australian Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage, and the Arts has issued several precautions. These include avoiding swimming far from the shore, near the mouth of a river, or in dirty water. It is also advised to refrain from swimming alone, with domestic animals, or near people who are fishing. Additionally, it is important to be vigilant about erratic behaviour among schools of fish and avoid swimming at dusk or night, as many shark species become active during these times.
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Shark sightings: controversial mesh nets and drones have been used to restore confidence
Australia has about 100,000 beaches, and most Australians live near the coast. The country has the second-highest number of shark attacks in the world, with 877 recorded since 1791, 216 of which have been fatal. In a 10-month period up to July 2012, five people were killed by great white sharks off the coast of Western Australia.
To address the growing incidence of shark attacks, authorities have turned to controversial shark nets and drones. Shark nets have been used in Australia since the 1930s, when waste near Sydney's shore attracted sharks. In 2017, a six-month trial of shark nets was conducted in Ballina, New South Wales, after a surfer was mauled by a great white shark. The trial was deemed a success, with locals reporting tangible benefits, such as a boost in retail and hotel trade. Drone surveillance was also stepped up in the north and other regions, picking up 46 shark sightings and prompting eight evacuations.
However, the effectiveness of shark nets in reducing shark encounters is disputed. While some advocate for more nets, scientists have stated that it is impossible to know whether they significantly reduce the risk of shark bites, apart from killing some of the sharks they catch. A recent study found no difference in the interaction rate between sharks and humans at netted and non-netted beaches. Additionally, by-catch is an issue, with 172 non-target animals, including dolphins, caught in the nets during the Ballina trial, and 71 dying before they could be released.
As a result, Australia is now moving towards adopting new technologies, such as drones and artificial intelligence, to monitor sharks and prevent attacks. Drone pilots like Nathaniel Woodcock and Paolo Cattaneo are enlisted to scan the waters for sharks and alert authorities and beachgoers. The Queensland SharkSmart drone trial demonstrated the effectiveness of drones in detecting sharks, with 174 sharks sighted across 3369 flights. Drones can operate across a range of weather conditions and provide real-time monitoring, enabling authorities to warn ocean users and close beaches if necessary.
Overall, while shark nets have been controversial and their effectiveness questioned, drones and AI technology offer a promising new approach to restoring confidence and enhancing public safety at Australian beaches.
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Frequently asked questions
Shark sizes vary greatly. The whale shark, the largest shark in Australia, can reach lengths of 12.65 metres and weigh 21.5 tonnes. Some sources claim that the whale shark can even attain lengths of 18 metres. The great white shark, another one of the larger shark species in the country, grows up to 6 metres and weighs 2.2 tonnes. The pygmy shark is one of the smallest shark species in Australia.
There are about 170 shark species in Australian seas. Shark Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to 29 shark species. Ningaloo Reef, another popular tourist destination, is known for its whale sharks.
According to the Australian Shark Attack File, there have been 877 shark attacks in Australia since 1791, with 216 of them being fatal. Between 1990 and 2000, there was an average of 9 bites per year, which increased to 22 bites per year from 2010 to 2020.
