What sharks are in Australia?
Did you know that sharks are found in Australian waters? In fact, there are over 180 species of sharks that can be found in Australian waters! Some of the most common sharks include the great white shark, the bull shark, and the tiger shark. Sharks play an important role in marine ecosystems, and they are an important part of Australia’s fishing industry. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the sharks that can be found in Australia. We will also discuss their roles in Australian ecosystems and fisheries.
Shark species in Australia
The great white shark is one of the most iconic sharks in Australia. It is thought to be responsible for a significant number of attacks on humans each year, though most are non-fatal. The bull shark is another common species in Australian waters and can survive both in salt and fresh water. These sharks prefer warm coastal waters, so they are often seen near beaches during the summer months. Tiger sharks are also found regularly in Australian waters, and they are considered to be very large predators with a wide variety of prey items including fish, turtles, seals, and even whales.
Further known sharks are – but limited to:
- Whale sharks
- Great hammerhead
- Zebra shark
- Copper shark
- Wobbegong
- Scalloped hammerhead
- Thresher sharks
- Blacktip reef shark
- Grey reef shark
- Oceanic whitetip shark
- Tasseled wobbegong
- Brownbanded bamboo shark
- Requiem shark
- Sand tiger shark
Role of sharks in marine ecosystems
Sharks play an important role in maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem by keeping populations of their prey such as fish, squid, and crustaceans in balance. They also help to maintain the overall health of coral reefs and seagrass beds, which are important habitats for many other marine species. Sharks also play a key role in controlling invasive species by keeping their populations in check, thus preventing them from becoming a major problem.
Role of sharks in Australian fisheries
Sharks are an important part of Australia’s commercial fishing industry as they provide a valuable source of food for people around the world. In addition, sharks can help to control overfishing by preying on commercially important species such as tuna and snapper. This helps to ensure that healthy fish stocks remain available for future generations.
Shark attacks in Australia
Although sharks are an important part of a healthy marine ecosystem and provide valuable food for people, they can also pose a threat to humans. There are regularly reported shark attacks in Australia each year, with most occurring off the coasts of Queensland and New South Wales. Most shark accidents are non-fatal, but the Australian coast has some of the most fatal shark accidents globally.
The above map shows all reported shark accidents since 1900. Even in the last decades since 2010, Australia is a hotbed for shark attacks. Unfortunately, it’s also reported that more than 30 of those attacks have been fatal. The majority of fatal accidents have been caused by Great White Sharks.
That being said, it’s still very unlikely to get attacked by a shark or even killed. However, you need to be aware of sharks and the potential danger that comes with them.
Scuba diving with sharks in Australia
Scuba diving with sharks in Australia is on the rise. With sharks being an integral part of the ocean’s ecosystem and a source of food for many people around the world, scuba divers are taking advantage of this opportunity to get close to sharks.
Scuba diving with sharks can be a thrilling experience and it’s important to follow safety guidelines. Certain sharks such as great whites, bull sharks, and tiger sharks are particularly dangerous and should only be approached by experienced divers.
Conclusion
Sharks are an integral part of Australia’s marine ecosystem, and their presence is essential for the health of the ocean. They are also a valuable source of food for people around the world and can help to control overfishing. However, sharks can be dangerous and there are regularly reported shark attacks in Australia each year. Scuba divers can take advantage of this opportunity to get close to sharks, but it is important to follow safety guidelines when doing so.
