How you can help to save the sharks:

1. Help to reduce shark by-catch by avoiding, or buying certified sustainably caught tuna. Remember, pole-and-line fisheries result in the least amount of by-catch.
2. Know what you’re eating! Could your chip-shop fish actually be shark? Look out for sustainable seafood initiatives and certified fish.
3. Check the label. Have a look through your cosmetics to see whether they contain squalene. Next time you shop, avoid this product if you can.

• Use your voice and your vote. Educate others and help us to get sustainable shark fisheries onto the political agenda.
• Reduce, reuse and recycle. Take action in your day-to-day life to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and protect our oceans.

Read more on the Save Our Seas website

The Spot a Shark team conducted rigorous studies to understand how scuba divers influence grey nurse shark behaviour. Our research showed that divers adhering to the National Code of Conduct and following dive briefings have no long-term negative impact on these magnificent creatures.

Thanks to the hundreds of photos submitted by our community, the Spot A Shark team were able to compile data about the Grey Nurse Shark aggregation sites. Through the IUCN Important Shark & Ray Area (ISRA) Project, an international panel of scientists has reviewed our data and officially recognised these areas as critical habitats. This global status wouldn't be possible without our dedicated citizen scientists. 

This species of shark has unique spot patterns along their flanks which can be used to identify individuals from one another. The Spot a Shark team reviews images collected by our team, shared with us by email and other social media channels, or uploaded directly to our parent sharkbook’s database to identify individuals. The Spot a Shark team collaborates with scientists to deepen our understanding of grey nurse sharks. By analysing unique spot patterns on individual sharks, we track their movements, health and behaviour. The Spot a Shark team use these images to advocate for better protection of not just the sharks, but their homes too. 

The Spot a Shark team has been involved in rescuing a number of sharks by coordinating responses from government approved vets. One such shark had a hook attached to its eye and mouth as shown here. The team were able to assist to help safely remove this hook and let this shark live her best life.​

If you spot a shark in need of a rescue you can contact us, or go directly to our partners at Sea World Foundation.

Shark nets are killing grey nurse sharks.

• For decades, NSW and QLD have used shark nets as part of bather protection programs, but these nets are failing to deliver on their promise. Instead, they’re causing a marine crisis and add risk to swimmers.
• Ineffective: 90% of what the nets catch and kill are non-target harmless species.
• Deadly: Thousands of innocent animals, including endangered grey nurse sharks, turtles, seals, dolphins, whales and other endangered species, die in these nets each year.
• Attractants: By providing an easy food source the nets attract predatory sharks towards swimmers.
• False sense of security: Contrary to popular belief, these nets do not span the entire beach, they do not reach the floor and do not reach the surface. The concept is as ridiculous as placing a volleyball net between you and the ocean. Sharks swim over, under and around the nets.

The Spot a Shark initiative has been instrumental in uniting divers across the East Coast of Australia. Our platform has created a thriving community where individuals can share their experiences, knowledge, and passion for these magnificent creatures. By working together, we’re raising awareness about the plight of sharks and driving positive change. Join us in protecting these vital marine predators for future generations.