This project combines fieldwork and laboratory analysis to understand bull shark ecology in South East Queensland. Under strict animal use and fisheries permits, sharks are captured, tagged, sampled, and released, allowing our researchers to track their movements using acoustic telemetry across multiple ecosystems.
Movement data is analysed alongside environmental variables such as rainfall, temperature, and salinity to identify the drivers of habitat use and behaviour. In addition, genetic analyses are used to examine population structure, relatedness, and reproductive strategies, including multiple paternity and natal philopatry.
Together, these approaches provide a detailed understanding of how bull sharks utilise riverine and coastal environments, and how populations are connected across the region.
Real-world applications
This research provides critical insights to support shark management, conservation, and public safety. By improving understanding of bull shark behaviour and habitat use, the project contributes to more informed decision-making around shark control programs and the development of alternative, non-lethal management strategies. It is important to undertake regional studies on these behaviours, as they differ globally.
The findings also support broader conservation efforts by improving understanding of how large predators persist in environments with high levels of human activity. This knowledge can be used to guide policy, enhance public education, and promote more effective coexistence between people and sharks.
Where are we at?
The UniSC bull shark research started in 2023 and was originally only going to be a standard three-year project. However, given the success of the program and the results we are obtaining, our funding partners have agreed to support us for the next three years – turning this study into the first long term shark monitoring program of its kind in Australia! Our research impact was also realised last year, with the Sunshine Coast Rivers listed under the IUCN review as an Important Shark and Ray Area – identified a critical nursery and breeding ground for bull sharks based on our research.
