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Australia is a large island nation with a 25,760-kilometre coastline and a high diversity of sharks. With 170 species of sharks out of approximately 440 globally, Australia has its fair share of these predators. While shark attacks are relatively rare, they do occur, and certain parts of the coast are more dangerous than others. This article will explore where most sharks are found in Australia and provide insight into the diverse range of shark species that call this country home.
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What You'll Learn
Shark safety tips for travellers in Australia
While the Australian coast boasts a stunning 22,293 miles (35,877 km) of beaches, it's no secret that it is also home to a large number of sharks. In fact, between 1791 and April 2018, there were 1068 reported shark attacks in Australia, 237 of which were fatal. However, it's important to keep this number in perspective—more people die every year from mosquitoes, car accidents, vending machines, or drowning than from shark bites.
- Understand shark behaviour: Knowing how sharks behave can help you reduce the risk of an encounter. For example, during certain times of the year, some shark species come closer to shore to pup in the warm coastal waters.
- Swim at patrolled beaches: Opt for beaches that are patrolled by lifesavers and lifeguards who can monitor beach and water conditions and assist in case of an emergency.
- Stay between the flags: At patrolled beaches, lifesavers and lifeguards will direct you to the safest place to swim.
- Check for shark sightings: The New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australian (WA) Governments have shark smart programs and Twitter feeds that provide information on recent shark sightings. NSW also has a dedicated app.
- Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or night: Sharks will be able to spot you, but you won't be able to see them.
- Avoid swimming near steep drop-offs or sandbars: These are known hangouts for sharks.
- Stay out of the water if you have open wounds: Sharks are attracted to blood.
- Swim with a buddy: It's always safer to swim, dive, or surf with someone else.
- Pay attention to fish behaviour: If fish suddenly dive for cover or appear agitated, it could be a sign that a shark is nearby.
- Avoid swimming near a whale carcass: Sharks are often in the vicinity of such sites.
- Avoid wearing bright colours: Sharks have monochromatic vision, so they may spot you if you're wearing white, yellow, or neon. Opt for darker colours like black or blue.
- Don't chase or attempt to feed sharks: Feeding may alter their behaviour and lure other sharks.
- Remain calm: If you do encounter a shark, try to remain calm and slowly move away. Panicking may attract the shark.
By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of Australia's beaches while minimising the risk of a shark encounter.
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Shark attacks in Australia
Shark attacks are a traumatising event for victims and bystanders alike. While shark attacks are rare, they can have devastating consequences. Australia has a long coastline of 22,293 miles (35,877 km) and a strong beach culture, with many Australians and tourists visiting the beach each year. The country is also home to a variety of shark species, some of which are considered dangerous to humans, including the white shark, bull shark, and tiger shark.
The Australian Shark-Incident Database (ASID), maintained by the Taronga Conservation Society Australia, is the principal source of information on shark bites in the country. It has recorded over 1,000 individual investigations of shark bites since 1791, with 1068 shark attacks and 237 fatalities reported between 1791 and April 2018. The database includes detailed information on each incident, such as the geographical location, weather conditions, victim recovery status, shark species, and time of attack.
New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australia have seen the most shark attacks in recent years. NSW recorded 73 attacks between 1990 and 1999, while Queensland experienced 43 attacks, Western Australia 35, South Australia 20, Victoria 12, Tasmania 2, and the Northern Territory had 1 reported attack. The vast majority of great white shark attacks are in NSW, South Australia, and Western Australia. Esperance, a town in Western Australia, has seen four fatal shark attacks in eight years, highlighting the need for more proactive shark research and mitigation in the region.
To address the risk of shark attacks, some Australian states have implemented shark control programs. NSW and Queensland use shark nets on some beaches, while WA has a shark tagging and monitoring program, with "tagged" sharks detected by a network of acoustic receivers along the coast. Additionally, NSW and WA have shark smart programs and Twitter feeds to inform the public about recent shark sightings. Despite these measures, it is important for beachgoers to remain vigilant and follow safety guidelines when swimming or surfing, especially in areas known for shark activity.
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Shark species found in Australia
Australia is home to about 170 shark species, ranging 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 for shark diversity, with over 50 species.
The zebra shark, a nocturnal species of carpet shark, is found in the tropical Indo-West Pacific, including Australia. They are docile and slow-moving, feeding mainly on molluscs. The draughtboard shark, a species of catshark, is the most common in coastal southern Australia. The common sawshark, distinguished by its slender body and long, tapering snout, is endemic to Australia's southern temperate waters. The Gulf Wobbegong, a species of carpetshark, is found in the subtropical and temperate waters of southern Australia. It is known for its distinctive colouring and patterns, which serve as excellent camouflage against the seafloor.
The bull shark, with its distinct stout body and broad snout, is an aggressive species found in Australian waters. They have an omnivorous diet, including fish, dolphins, turtles, birds, molluscs, and even plants. The tiger shark, named for its dark stripes, is a scavenger species found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. They feed on a variety of prey, including turtles, sea snakes, and fish, and can live for over 30 years. The white shark, or great white shark, is an apex predator found in temperate coastal waters worldwide, including Australia. It is one of the most recognised and feared shark species, with an increase in reported attacks over the past two decades.
The grey nurse shark, found in all Australian waters except Tasmania, has a fearsome appearance due to its exposed, razor-sharp teeth. However, it is not considered dangerous to humans. The great hammerhead shark, identified by its broad, flat head, is found in northern Australian waters. While it is considered dangerous, there have been few recorded attacks on humans. The shortfin mako shark is considered the fastest of all shark species, reaching speeds of up to 70 km/hr. It is one of the six shark species covered by the Sharks MoU, an agreement signed by Australia to conserve migratory shark populations.
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Australian government's conservation efforts for sharks
Australia has a diverse range of shark species, with almost half of its 328 shark and ray species found nowhere else in the world. The Australian government has implemented various conservation efforts to protect these species and ensure their survival.
One of the key conservation efforts is the recognition of the importance of sharks in the marine ecosystem. The government has acknowledged that sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the marine environment. This recognition has led to the implementation of various measures to protect and conserve shark species.
The Australian government has also taken steps to address the issue of shark finning, which involves removing the fins and discarding the rest of the body at sea. Shark finning is prohibited in Commonwealth fisheries and Australian Government-managed fisheries. Similar measures are in place in fisheries managed by state and territory governments. In addition, the government has implemented the ''fins on' rule, also known as ''fins naturally attached' (FNA), which requires that sharks be brought back to land whole before their fins are harvested. This rule is globally recognized as an effective way to reduce illegal shark finning and improve data collection on harvested shark species.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) also plays a crucial role in shark conservation in Australia. Several shark and ray species found in Australian waters are protected under CITES, and Australia must ensure that their export will not be detrimental to their survival in the wild.
Furthermore, the Australian government has implemented shark control programs in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland. These programs involve the use of nets and drum lines to reduce the risk of shark attacks. While these programs have been in place for over 60 years, there is a growing emphasis on transitioning to non-lethal technologies and improving public education to make beaches safer for both humans and wildlife.
In addition to government initiatives, organizations like the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) have played a significant role in shark conservation. AMCS has successfully campaigned for a national ban on live-shark finning, a reduction in shark catch in the Great Barrier Reef, and the cessation of the shark cull in Western Australia.
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Shark reproduction methods in Australia
Sharks are found in all habitats around the Australian coastline, but most are found on the continental slope or shelf, primarily on the bottom. Many sharks are also found in coastal waters, and a small number are found in freshwater systems, such as rivers and estuaries. There are about 400 species of sharks worldwide, and around 180 species occur in Australian waters, of which about 70 are endemic.
Sharks in Australian waters exhibit all three known reproduction methods. These are oviparous, viviparous, and ovoviviparous. Oviparous sharks, such as the Port Jackson shark, lay spiral-shaped eggs that the young hatch from. Viviparous sharks, like the smooth hammerhead, give birth to live young. Ovoviviparous sharks, including the grey nurse shark, give birth to pups after they have hatched from eggs within the uterus.
Oviparous reproduction is common in bottom-dwelling (benthic) species, such as the zebra shark, swellshark, and horn shark. Oxygenation takes place through slits in the side of the egg, with the shark constantly moving its tail to increase water flow. The eggs are protected by an egg case, known as a "mermaid's purse", and are deposited somewhere safe to prevent them from being eaten by predators. They attach to structures on the seafloor by tendrils to stop them from floating away.
Viviparous reproduction involves a connection between the embryo and its mother that provides nutrition as the pup develops. In the early stages, the embryo receives nourishment from a yolk sac. Once this is used up, the sac attaches to the uterus wall and forms a placenta, through which the pup receives nourishment directly from the mother's bloodstream. Waste products are transferred back to the mother for elimination. The number of pups in a litter can range from 2 to 20. Examples of viviparous species include bull sharks, lemon sharks, blue sharks, and hammerhead sharks.
Ovoviviparous reproduction is a combination of the other two methods, where the shark embryos develop within eggs, which hatch inside the mother's body. There is no placenta present in the uterus, and the developing pups are nourished by consuming any unfertilized eggs and each other (oophagy). Species that use this method include great white sharks, tiger sharks, and nurse sharks.
In addition to these natural reproduction methods, artificial insemination techniques have been developed to boost shark populations and genetic diversity. One such initiative is the StAR Project (Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation Recovery Project), which aims to rewild the waters of Raja Ampat, Indonesia, by breeding endangered zebra sharks in captivity.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia has a high diversity of sharks, with 170 species found in the country, out of approximately 440 globally. While most locals are keen swimmers, not many encounter a shark up close.
Sharks are primarily oceanic and are widespread in tropical to temperate zones. They can be found all along Australia's 25,760-kilometre coastline. The southern part of the eastern and western Australian waters are home to the critically endangered Grey Nurse Shark.
Only a very small number of species in Australia—predominantly the Great White Shark, Tiger Shark, and Bull Shark—pose a lethal threat to humans.
