A $2.4 million research project will investigate Queensland’s shark population and behaviour in a bid to improve swimmer safety.
Last week, the state government announced the initiative, which will be delivered in two stages.
Stage 1, which is already underway, examines key biological attributes of a range of shark species, including bull sharks and tiger sharks, to understand how east coast populations respond to pressures such as fishing, including DNA analysis of breeding populations and past impacts.
Stage 2 is due in 2028 and will map the stock structure of bull sharks and the almost identical pigeye shark through tagging, acoustic tracking and stable isotope analysis, methods that can even link pups back to their mothers.
The research will also examine how the Shark Control Program has affected shark populations since it began in 1962.
Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said the research was crucial.
“This is the first study of its kind for shark management in Queensland, and it will give us the most complete picture of these species we’ve ever had,” he said.
“I have said time and time again, the best science must inform our actions when it comes to fisheries.
“We’re backing world-leading scientists to understand how sharks behave and how our management measures are affecting them.
“Importantly, this research contributes to our government’s strong view that swimmer safety must take priority over all other factors. This research means we can keep protecting swimmers while making sure our shark management is based on facts, not guesswork.”
The research program includes a mixture of desktop analyses, laboratory work on previously collected genetic samples and field work such as tagging and tracking.
The scope of the research will cover the Queensland east coast.
Member for Caloundra Kendall Hatcher said local families and beachgoers would benefit.
“Caloundra locals know how important our beaches are to our way of life,” she said.
“The Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a safe place to enjoy some of our world’s best beaches is what underpins our communities and the many small and family business that rely on it.
“This kind of research means decisions about our beaches are based on real evidence, not guesswork, and I’m proud to see this work underway.”
This research delivers on Action 10 of the state government’s Shark Management Plan 2025 to 2029.
Find out more about the Shark Control Program, visit this website.
Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our FREE daily news feed. All it requires is your email at the bottom of this article.
