Shark research projects and programs

Biopixel Oceans Foundation were contracted by the Queensland Government to conduct research into the prevalence, movements and behaviour of sharks around North West Island.

This research examined the effectiveness of commercially available personal electric shark deterrents on tiger sharks. Researchers assessed the effects of 2 products on the behaviour of tiger sharks using baited experimental devices and compared the results to previous research on bull and white sharks.

The study found the devices significantly reduced the number of tiger shark bites on the bait by up to 70%. However, sharks were not deterred 100% of the time.

This study (like previous studies) shows the devices can reduce the likelihood of shark bites by the 3 species most responsible for shark bites on humans: tiger, bull and white sharks.

Spearfishers, divers, swimmers and surfers who wish to reduce their risk should consider using an independently-tested personal electric deterrent device.

This research studied the prevalence and behaviour of sharks in Cid Harbour, Whitsundays using a range of catch, tracking and imaging methods.

Between 2018 and 2020 researchers fished for sharks and tagged them with acoustic and satellite tags to track their movements. They also used baited remote underwater video cameras (BRUVs) to film sharks and potential prey in Cid Harbour.

Shark movements can be seen on the tracker.

The research:

• did not identify anything unusual about the number of sharks or their movements in Cid Harbour that may have contributed to the cluster of shark bites in 2018. (The research did not aim to identify the species responsible for the shark bite incidents in 2018.)
• showed reported shark catches and sightings in Cid Harbour were not higher than expected, based on previous shark monitoring projects undertaken by the researchers and published literature about sharks.
• found the reported bull and tiger shark presence and residency was low in Cid Harbour, suggesting these shark species are not a continual risk to humans. However, bull and tiger sharks move widely over the Whitsundays region and pass through areas that people use intensively for water-based recreation activities, including Cid Harbour.
• found some sharks tagged in Cid Harbour travelled very long distances from the Whitsundays, including journeys to New South Wales, Torres Strait and the Solomon Islands.

Shark control contractors are collecting genetic samples of sharks captured on drumlines and in nets to confirm species identification.

This data review is informing research and trials of shark mitigation technology in Queensland.

The review reported on 12 data types, including physical, biological, human usage and planning attributes for 86 beaches across 10 regions in Queensland, as well as the Whitsundays.

This research analysed the catch in nets and drumlines at shark control program beaches in Queensland to determine patterns in selectivity of target and bycatch species.

The report includes region-specific analyses.

This behaviour change project encourages fishers to not throw fish scraps and food waste in waters where people swim.

This research delivered a behaviour change project to increase the knowledge and adoption of SharkSmart behaviours by bare boat renters (boats you can hire without a crew) in the Whitsundays during 2020. Researchers worked with 3 bare boat rental companies to trial behavioural interventions.

Tactics included:

• incorporating SharkSmart messages into pre-trip briefings with bare boat guests
• providing waste management instructions
• providing onboard reminders.

Results were measured through pre-trip and post-trip surveys of bare boat guests and measuring waste from boats.

Survey respondents said they had a very high knowledge (93–100%) of the 6 SharkSmart messages.

Tourist knowledge was not a strong predictor of behaviour. About 3 out of 10 people ignored one or more of the SharkSmart tips and participated in risky behaviours including swimming alone, swimming with bait fish, swimming in murky water, disregarding signage, and disposing of food or fish scraps in the water.

This project reviewed the scientific basis behind shark safety guidelines provided to the public by governments around Australia, South Africa and the United States.

The results suggest developing:

• more specific and locally relevant shark safety advice within different parts of Queensland
• clearer explanations of the rationale behind shark safety advice to build community trust and encourage behaviour change.

This may help individuals assess risk and modify their behaviours to be SharkSmart when undertaking water-based activities.

The outcomes of this research inform the ongoing development of our SharkSmart education program.

This research explored the patterns of use, behaviour, perceptions, values and beliefs held by recreational users of the Whitsundays. The aim was to:

• understand what factors people believed may have contributed to the 2018 shark bite incidents
• identify opportunities to promote SharkSmart behaviour.

Respondents to surveys (218 respondents) and interviews (7 respondents) generally believed that people’s ignorance was a key risk. Some said that sharks may be attracted to fishing and waste disposal from boats, and in some locations, sharks may have been fed either intentionally or unintentionally.

Researchers did note that Cid Harbour can be used by more than 100 boats per day. Some human behaviours, such as throwing food scraps overboard into the water, may attract sharks and increase the risk of shark bites. This is particularly risky if people are throwing scraps and waste overboard in areas where people also swim.

Respondents highlighted the importance of personal responsibility. While many felt well informed about SharkSmart behaviours, they felt further education and awareness-raising could help reduce risk.

This research investigated depredation of spanner crabs by endangered batoids.

By identifying the species and drivers involved in spanner crab depredation, this study provides insights into ways these types of depredation events can be mitigated and managed.

The aims of this study were to:

• define key dimensions of the shark depredation issue in Australian fisheries (across all relevant sectors) in terms of relevant characteristics of the shark species and populations involved, relevant traits of the fisheries involved, potential impacts of shark depredation, from economic, ecological, stock assessment and social perspectives
• identify and discuss potential mitigation options
• facilitate a national approach to collaborate cross-jurisdictional knowledge and efforts to define the scope of shark depredation in Australia and potential next steps.

This research aims to:

• determine the feasibility of a fisheries-independent, close-kin marked-recapture (CKMR) based approach to estimate absolute abundance of the Queensland East Coast Spanish mackerel stock
• quantify shark depredation rates (percentage of catch lost) across the fishery and provide an estimate of post-release survival
• improve the fisheries-dependent index of abundance through the application of Effort Signature techniques and increase its robustness to future management changes
• identify and quantify the effect of key environmental conditions on recruitment rates, year class strength, and abundance of Spanish mackerel in Queensland east coast waters.

Depredation occurs when a predator completely or partially consumes fish caught in fishing apparatus before it can be landed.

The aims of this research are to:

• determine the extent of depredation and which species are involved
• contribute to our understanding of the potential for sharks to be attracted to boats and fishing activities and how that may relate to shark bite risk.

Researchers will be working with fishers using customised 360-degree camera technology and genetic sampling techniques, coupled with a custom-built app to collect data for the project.

To get involved in the pilot study, email JCUFish@jcu.edu.au.

This research investigates depredation experienced by commercial, charter and recreational line fishers throughout Queensland waters.

It aims to understand:

• which species are depredating catches in Queensland
• where depredation is occurring
• the number of fish lost to depredation
• movement of depredating species.

SharkD is a citizen science project developed to help fishers avoid depredation while fishing. It provides feedback to the fishing community in real time, in the form of a heat map showing depredation hotspots.