about the project

Welcome to Shark Watch, a tracking site where you can follow sharks that SEA LIFE Australia/NZ have assisted with tagging. Shark Watch was created as an epicentre of shark tracking for all SEA LIFE sites in Australia and New Zealand.

We know so little about these fascinating creatures. Yet one thing we do know is that they are in a downward spiral. Finning for shark fin soup, getting caught as bycatch in commercial fishing gear and shark nets are driving many species of shark to the brink of extinction. Once an apex predator is removed from a marine system, many prey species proliferate. Predictions of oceans full of jellyfish and squid could be the norm if we continue to unsustainable fish out our sharks.

By raising awareness of the plight of our sharks we can help conserve remaining populations to ensure that this group of animals that has existed for hundreds of millions of years, continues to do so.  

PROJECT PARTNERS

FAQ

IIf close to shore sometimes it looks like the sharks travelled over land. Why?

The tracking system simply connects the most recent data points and draws a line even though the shark did not travel over land.

Are we watching the shark in ‘real’ time?

No, the tag transmits all the data points (from each surfacing throughout the day) to a satellite once per day which is then sent to a collection point once per week. We receive this data weekly and then update each shark’s journey.

Do the  sharks swim in straight lines?

No, as with the over land scenario the tracking system draws a line between the last data points transmitted. The shark is likely to have meandered quite a lot in between.

What types of tags are used to track the sharks?

Sirtrack Fastloc™ tags are fast acquisition GPS technology designed for marine animals which only surface briefly. Raw locations are then relayed back to the researcher via the Argos satellite system.

How much do the tags cost?

The tags cost approximately AUD $3,500 each. Satellite time costs around 100 Euro per month. Tracking a shark for the life of the tag (from 12 to 18 months) can cost in excess of AUD $5,000.

How long do the tags last for?

The life of a satellite tag is constrained by its battery life which is typically from 12 to 18 months. Sometimes tags can be lost based on animals dislodging it when entering or exiting crevices or become deployed if the animal gets caught in fishing gear or shark nets.

How do you tell males from female sharks?

Male sharks have two external protrusions on their underside called claspers which are easily and quickly identified. Female sharks don't have claspers.  

How many species of sharks are there?

Over 350 species of shark have been identified but there are likely to be more waiting to be identified.

Many species are listed as ‘endangered’ or ‘critically endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species.

What are the key threats facing our sharks?

1. Between 30 million and 70 million sharks are killed each year for their fins alone. These are used for shark fin soup.  We can all do our bit by saying NO to shark fin soup. There are alternatives out there.
2. Sharks are frequently caught as bycatch in commercial fishing gear. It's hard to ascertain how many sharks die this way as they are often unreported and discarded, dead, at sea. 
3. Shark meshing are moveable nets deployed off Sydney beaches between September and April each year. The nets are used as a 'deterrent' for sharks to protect swimmers, however research has shown that over 50% of sharks caught in the nets are on the inside, meaning they have been close to our swimmers and are on their way back out to sea. Many non-target animals such as turtles, dolphins, dugongs, whales, rays and other sharks drown in these nets each year. Only NSW, Qld and parts of South Africa use nets to 'protect' beach goers.