Science and research
Fisheries Queensland supports ongoing research as part of the SCP. The focus of research is to continually improve the shark control program using best available science.
Shark Control Program research strategy
The research strategy outlines priorities for the future to inform government investment into science and research. It provides opportunities for external researchers to collaborate and contribute to answering key research questions.
View the Shark Control Program research strategy
Fisheries Queensland is committed to collaborating with research institutions to address research priorities.
Researchers are invited to contact the Shark Control Program to discuss opportunities to get involved. Please contact the Research Coordinator (Shark Control Program) via scp@daf.qld.gov.au.
Scientific Working Group
The Queensland Shark Control Program Scientific Working Group, established by the Queensland Government, provides expert advice to Fisheries Queensland in relation to scientific matters relevant to the program and non-lethal shark bite mitigation in Queensland.
Read the Terms of reference and members
Follow the links to read the meeting minutes and communiques of the Shark Control Program Scientific Working Group.
- Communique 12 March 2020
- Minutes 14 June 2019
- Minutes 15 November 2018
- Minutes 5 April 2018
- Minutes 15 September 2017
Research into shark control alternatives
The Queensland Government has committed $1 million a year to research and trialling alternatives to current shark control equipment that may be appropriate for Queensland.
The Queensland Shark Control Program: Review of alternative approaches report prepared by Cardno was released on 3 October 2019. The report details an assessment of a range of alternative approaches to shark safety and recommends what may be appropriate for trial in Queensland. Read the Queensland Shark Control Program: Review of alternative approaches report.
Current research projects
| Organisation or researcher | Research focus | Research timeline | Reports | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biopixel Oceans Foundation and James Cook University | Prevalence and behaviour of sharks in Cid Harbour, Whitsundays | December 2018 to June 2020 | Interim report – January 2019 Progress report – October 2019 | This project is jointly funded by the Queensland Government and the Australian Government National Environmental Science Program. |
| Reef Ecologic | Boosting SharkSmart behaviours in the Whitsundays | November 2019 to early 2021 | This project is aiming to boost SharkSmart behaviours in the Whitsundays. Working collaboratively with tourism, industry and community, it will test practical tools to help people adopt SharkSmart behaviours. This project is jointly funded by the Queensland Government and the Australian Government National Environmental Science Program. This project is currently on hold due to the impacts of COVID-19. | |
| James Cook University | Understanding the science behind shark safety messaging | May to October 2020 | This project is reviewing the scientific basis behind shark safety guidelines provided to the public by governments around Australia, South Africa and the United States. This research will inform the ongoing development of Queensland’s SharkSmart education program. |
Previous research projects
Queensland large shark tagging program
Led by Dr Jonathan Werry, this 5-year program (2009 – 2014) monitored movements of Queensland's most dangerous shark species using satellite and acoustic tags. Fisheries Queensland contributed some funding for this project.
Tiger Shark research
Dr Bonnie Holmes collected biological information on tiger sharks in Queensland waters and monitored their movements using satellite tags.
Improving our technology
The SCP has explored advances in acoustic alarm/pinger technology for reducing entanglement of marine mammals.
Two different types of pingers were successfully trialled on nets and selected drumlines in southern Queensland. These pingers are now being used in the SCP. We will continue to monitor the use of acoustic alarm/pinger technologies as a potentially effective method to reduce marine mammal entanglements.
Trialling alternatives to current shark control equipment
Fisheries Queensland will be undertaking trials of new technology and equipment for shark control. The focus is on trialling options that are appropriate for Queensland coastal conditions.
Current shark control equipment trials
| Organisation or researcher | Research focus | Research timeline | Reports | Other notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fisheries Queensland | Circle hook trial | 2020-2021 | Comparative trial of circle hooks versus J hooks to assess the effect on catch rates of target and non-target species. | |
| Fisheries Queensland | Acoustic pinger trial | 2020-2021 | Trial of acoustic pingers (dolphin dissuasive devices) with the aim of reducing interactions of dolphins with drumlines. | |
| Fisheries Queensland | Genetic Sampling | Commencing 2020 - ongoing | Collection of genetic samples from sharks to confirm species identification. |
