RESEARCH from the University of Sunshine Coast reveals numbers of bull sharks are increasing, according to a report in the Cairns Post.
The Queensland study that tagged more than 60 sharks and took genetic samples from nearly 300 bitten fish.
In addition, data from the Queensland shark control program showing drum lines across Cairns caught 13 bull sharks in 2023-2024 compared to none in 2019-2022 reports the Cairns Post.
USC PhD candidate Jaeden Vardon has been researching shark depredation for four years.
Vardon said genetic samples taken from nearly 300 bitten fish came from just a handful of species.
“We found 14 different species were responsible for depredating fish … that included instances where fish, like Spanish mackerel, barracuda or big cod were also observed depredating fish,” Mr Vardon told the Cairns Post.
“Most of our forensic analysis returned bull shark samples, showing them as a particularly problematic species.”
In a statement, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries said it was aware of sharks eating more fish and recently funded a project to mitigate the issue.
“We are conducting a two-year project, funded by Fisheries Research Development Corporation to identify suitable mitigation methods to reduce shark depredation,” a Fisheries Queensland spokesman told the Cairns Post.
“Workshops involving fishers will be held in Queensland and other states and territories where shark depredation is occurring during this period.
“A national online survey will also be conducted to collect information from fishers on what mitigation methods they currently use and would like to see tested.”
