Queensland’s coastal shark numbers are continuing a 50-year decline, in sharp contradiction to beliefs that the population is ‘exploding’, according to an analysis of Queensland Shark Control Program data.
University of Queensland and Griffith University researchers analysed data from the program, which has used baited drum lines and nets since 1962 to minimise human-shark interactions.
Researcher Dr George Roff said that the findings show large apex sharks such as hammerheads, tigers and white sharks, have declined by 74 to 92 per cent along Queensland’s coast.