Grey Nurse Shark ConservationEast-coast Australia

Grey Nurse Sharks

Dethroned Kings of the Sea

Sharks were once undisputed rulers of the seas. But hunting and commercial fishing has created a more terrifying and ruthless predator: humans.

Emptying the Ocean

The grey nurse shark has fallen to a deadly status: Australia’s most endangered marine species. In the 1950s, they were hunted almost to extinction because of their fierce appearance. But today, incidental capture by recreational and commercial fishing has left fewer than 2,000 remaining on Australia’s east coast.

Lifesaving Discoveries

With our support, Scientists from the University of Queensland are on a mission to discover how to truly protect them. Steve Irwin’s purpose-built vessel, Croc One is used on ventures to learn about their breeding patterns and to try and locate unknown gestation aggregation sites.

A Snapshot for the Future

Using photo-identification studies and satellite tracking, the team work to ensure marine nurseries and critical habitats are recognised and protected. It’s hoped that these will reduce fishing activity-grey nurse interactions, and help populations regenerate.