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Bull shark tagging
In 2023, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) expanded its shark tagging program to better understand the movement patterns of bull sharks throughout Western Australian waters.
DPIRD is focused on increasing understanding of bull shark movements and connectivity between coastal and estuarine waters across northern and south western WA.
DPIRD is working with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) to build on its research program that includes tagging and tracking movements of juvenile bull sharks in the Swan Canning Estuary.
Understanding the movements of bull sharks is critical to informing what shark hazard mitigation measures may prove effective and will allow government to better inform water users of the presence of bull sharks in coastal and estuarine waters.
Frequently asked questions
Where will bull shark fishing operations take place?
During the 2023/24 bull shark tagging program, fishing operations took place in the North Coast, Gascoyne and South-West regions (including the Swan Canning Estuary).
Since 2024/25 DPIRD has been conducting bull shark tagging in the Swan Canning Estuary during summer to early autumn each year.
How many bull sharks have been caught since 2023/24??
During 2023/24 and 2024/25, DPIRD tagged and released 5 bull sharks. Bull sharks were tagged in the East Kimberley (3), Collie River (1) and Swan River (1).
During the same period, DBCA tagged and released 12 juvenile bull sharks in the Swan Canning Estuary.
It’s not uncommon for bull sharks to be present in the Swan Canning Estuary throughout the year. Female bull sharks give birth in estuaries and rivers where the young remain for several years before dispersing offshore. Research on bull sharks in other parts of the world indicate that females likely give birth every two years.
What bull sharks will be tagged?
DBCA is tagging juvenile bull sharks to understand their movement within the Swan Canning Estuary. DPIRD will be targeting larger bull sharks to investigate movement patterns throughout WA waters.
What fishing techniques will be used?
A combination of netting, longline and other fishing methods will be used by DPIRD and DBCA to capture bull sharks.
When will I know if a shark has been tagged?
Bull sharks which are tagged and released will be reported to Water Police and published via the shark notification system to the SharkSmart WA app and SharkSmart website.
For more information on bull sharks refer to our species information.