Leslie Massey
Australia has a high population of sharks, with around 180 species found in its waters, about 70 of which are endemic. The country has the second-highest number of shark attacks in the world, with 877 recorded since 1791, 216 of which have been fatal. Despite these numbers, the odds of being killed by a shark in Australia are one in 8 million. Shark populations have declined globally due to overfishing, with more than 200 species currently listed as threatened. In Australia, conservation efforts have helped stabilize some species, and there is legislation in place to protect threatened shark species.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of shark species in the world | 400 |
| Number of shark species in Australia | 180 |
| Number of endemic shark species in Australia | 70 |
| Number of shark species listed as threatened in Australia | 6 |
| Number of shark species listed as vulnerable in Australia | 1 |
| Number of confirmed, unprovoked shark attacks in Australia since 1791 | 877 |
| Number of fatal shark attacks in Australia since 1791 | 216 |
| Percentage of fatal shark attacks in Australia | 30% |
| Number of unprovoked shark attacks worldwide between 1580 and 2011 | 2463 |
| Country with the highest number of fatal shark attacks | Australia |
| Number of people killed by great white sharks off the coast of WA in a 10-month period up to July 2012 | 5 |
| Population of Australia | 23.5 million |
| Odds of being killed by a shark in Australia | 1 in 8 million |
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What You'll Learn
Shark population estimates
Australia is home to a diverse range of shark species, with around 180 species found in its waters, approximately 70 of which are endemic. Shark populations are distributed across various habitats, from the coastal waters along the east coast of New South Wales (NSW) and southern Queensland to the western coast of the country. While most shark species prefer the continental slope or shelf, some are known to inhabit freshwater systems, such as rivers and estuaries.
One of the most well-known shark species in Australia is the white shark, often referred to as the great white shark. White sharks are found in temperate coastal waters worldwide, but they are relatively scarce compared to other widely distributed shark species. In Australia, they are more commonly encountered in the southern regions, including central Queensland, the southern coast, and Western Australia. White sharks are listed as vulnerable in multiple Australian states and internationally due to their slow reproductive rate and population recovery challenges.
The bull shark is another notable species found in Australian waters. Bull sharks have a wide range, extending from the central NSW coast across the northern coast to Perth, Western Australia. They are known for their ability to penetrate far into freshwater systems, such as the Mitchell River in eastern Victoria, for extended periods, even using these habitats for breeding. This species is particularly dangerous due to its aggressive nature, powerful jaws, and preference for shallow, murky inshore waters.
While exact population numbers for each species are challenging to determine, conservation efforts and improved fisheries management in Australia have led to stabilization and recovery for some shark populations. For example, the dusky shark population in northwest Western Australia has stabilized, and blacktip shark numbers have rebounded after significant fishing pressure in previous decades.
Additionally, the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland is known for its high shark diversity, with over 50 species present in the region. This diversity highlights the importance of conservation efforts and understanding shark behaviour to ensure the protection and recovery of these species.
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Conservation status
Australia is home to one-quarter of the world's known shark species, with 331 species found in its waters. Almost half (41%) of these species are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. This makes Australia a hotspot for shark and ray conservation.
The Australian Government has recognised the importance of conserving shark species and has implemented measures to protect them. The country became the 14th signatory of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks in 2011, which aims to improve the understanding of migratory shark populations and their conservation. The government has also banned the practice of shark finning in commercial fisheries, which involves removing the fins and discarding the body at sea.
Despite these efforts, shark populations in Australia remain under threat. The white shark, for instance, is listed as vulnerable and migratory under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It faces significant threats from commercial and recreational fisheries and shark control programs. There has been an overall long-term decline in the abundance of white sharks in Australian and international waters.
Additionally, the Australian appetite for shark meat, commonly known as "flake," has driven some shark species to extinction. A 2020 report by the Australian Marine Conservation Society revealed that the school shark, once a primary targeted shark, has been listed as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The population of school sharks in Australia has declined to around 10% of its original numbers, with only about 80,000 adults remaining. This species is still legally traded and consumed in Australia, highlighting the urgency for improved conservation measures.
Conservation organisations such as the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) are actively working to improve shark conservation. They advocate for non-lethal alternatives to shark culling, such as the use of drones, shark tagging, and monitoring. They also promote sustainable seafood alternatives and collaborate with partners to develop handling practices to increase the survival of sharks in the fishing industry.
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Shark behaviour and habitat
Australia is home to a diverse range of shark species, with about 170 species inhabiting its seas, including the world's largest, the whale shark, and one of the smallest, the pygmy shark. The country has the second-highest number of shark attacks globally, with a total of 877 recorded incidents since 1791, 216 of which have been fatal. Despite this, the chances of encountering a shark are quite rare, and most shark species are harmless.
Sharks are primarily marine creatures, but some species, such as the Northern River shark and the speartooth shark, have adapted to freshwater environments in northern Australia. They are found in various habitats, from the depths of the ocean to shallow coastal waters and estuaries. For example, the bull shark, known for its aggressive nature and powerful jaws, is found in tropical and subtropical waters along the Australian coast, from central NSW to Perth. They are unique in that they venture far into freshwater, sometimes breeding in estuaries and river mouths.
Most sharks are predators, and their hunting activity often increases during the night. They primarily feed on fish, but larger species like the white shark and tiger shark also prey on marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, dolphins, turtles, and even seabirds. Some species, like the bull shark, have a broad diet and contribute to the high rate of shark attacks in Australia.
Sharks have a slow reproductive rate, which makes them vulnerable to human activities such as overfishing and habitat degradation. Their sensitivity to light and colours influences their hunting behaviour and habitat preferences. They are light-sensitive and primarily inhabit shorelines during the day, moving to deeper waters at night. Some species are social and swim in packs of 100 or more.
Conservation efforts are in place to protect shark species in Australia. The Australian government is committed to ensuring the conservation of shark species in Australian waters, and organisations like The Nature Conservancy (TNC) work to protect endangered shark habitats, such as that of the Northern River Shark in the Fitzroy River region. Additionally, the Grey Nurse Shark, found in eastern and western Australian waters, has been protected under Australian law since 1984 and is listed as critically endangered.
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Shark attacks and human interaction
Australia is home to around 180 species of sharks, with about 70 thought to be endemic to the region. They are found in all habitats around the Australian coastline, but most are found on the continental slope or shelf, primarily on the bottom. Many shark species are also found in coastal waters, and a small number are found in freshwater systems, such as rivers and estuaries.
Sharks are responsible for a significant number of attacks on humans in Australia. Between 1791 and April 2018, there were 1068 reported shark attacks, with 237 of them being fatal. Four species of sharks are responsible for the majority of fatal attacks: the bull shark, tiger shark, oceanic whitetip shark, and great white shark. The number of reported attacks by white sharks has increased in recent years, rising from 24 to 55 over the past two decades. This increase has also been observed with bull sharks, whose attacks have risen from three to 25 over the same period.
To address the issue of shark attacks, Australian authorities have implemented various measures. Since 1990, there have been 186 reported shark attack incidents, with New South Wales experiencing the highest number of attacks (73 out of 186). The state government of New South Wales allocated AU$16 million to reduce shark bites and mitigate financial losses in the tourism industry. Additionally, the Australian Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts has issued precautions to reduce the risk of shark attacks. These include avoiding swimming far from the shore, near the mouth of a river, or at dusk or night.
The Australian Shark-Incident Database, maintained by the Taronga Conservation Society Australia, is the principal source of shark-bite data in the country. It includes over 1,100 individual investigations of shark-bite cases in Australia since 1791. All reported shark-bite cases are thoroughly assessed to gather information such as geographical location, weather conditions, victim recovery status, shark species, and time of incident. This comprehensive database assists in evaluating the context and potential causes of shark bites, promoting sustainable shark-human coexistence, and improving understanding of migratory shark populations and their habitats.
While sharks are often perceived as aggressive predators, they play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. To conserve shark populations and protect this vital component of marine life, international trade regulations, such as CITES, are in place for several shark species found in Australian waters. These regulations ensure that trade does not threaten the survival of these species. Additionally, recovery plans have been implemented for threatened shark species under Australia's Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, making it an offence to harm or trade members of these species without a permit.
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Shark species diversity
Australia is home to a rich diversity of shark species, with around 170-180 species inhabiting its seas, out of the 400 species found worldwide. This includes the world's largest shark, the whale shark, which can grow up to 18 metres in length, as well as one of the smallest, the pygmy shark, measuring around 25 cm. The Coral Sea, off the coast of Queensland, is a notable hotspot for shark diversity, with over 50 species.
Six out of the seven species covered by the Sharks MOU (Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks) occur in Australian waters: the white shark, whale shark, basking shark, porbeagle, shortfin mako, and longfin mako. The white shark, also known as the great white, is internationally protected and listed as vulnerable. It is found along most temperate coastlines worldwide and in Australian waters, from central Queensland to Western Australia.
The tiger shark, the bull shark, and the whaler shark are other species known to inhabit Australian waters and pose a danger to humans. The tiger shark, considered the tropical equivalent of the great white, has a diet that includes turtles, seals, whales, jellyfish, stingrays, livestock, and even humans. The bull shark is found in tropical and subtropical oceans, ranging from central New South Wales to Perth. It is known for its aggressive nature, powerful jaws, and ability to venture into freshwater habitats for extended periods.
The grey nurse shark, found on the east coast of Australia, is another notable species. It has been protected under Australian law since 1984 and is classified as critically endangered. These sharks have a very low reproductive rate, producing only two pups per litter every two years, which contributes to their declining numbers. They are known for their placid nature and are not considered a threat to swimmers and divers.
In addition to these well-known species, Australia is also home to a variety of other shark species, including the Northern River shark and the speartooth shark, which have adapted to freshwater habitats in northern Australia. The Port Jackson shark, the smooth hammerhead, and the great white shark exhibit different reproductive methods, ranging from oviparous to viviparous and ovoviviparous, respectively.
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Frequently asked questions
Of the 400 species of sharks worldwide, around 180 species can be found in Australian waters, with about 70 being endemic.
Some of the shark species found in Australian waters include the white shark, whale shark, basking shark, porbeagle, shortfin mako, longfin mako, bull shark, tiger shark, leopard shark, wobbegong, grey nurse shark, and hammerhead shark.
It is difficult to determine if shark populations in Australia are increasing. While conservation efforts and improved fisheries management have led to the stabilisation and recovery of some species, other factors, such as warming oceans and changing reproductive rates, can influence overall shark numbers.
