Episode Details

The word shark is often used to describe a broad range of species, but that can overlook some significant differences. Great whites, bull sharks and tiger sharks have different biology, behaviours, movements, diets and population dynamics. Those differences matter when we're talking about how they interact with people and the environments they share.

This is a three part mini-series taking a closer look at each species individually, recorded with Dr Paul Butcher, Principal Research Scientist with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, based in Coffs Harbour. Paul has spent years leading shark research and management in NSW, including the government's Shark Management Strategy, shark tagging programs, SMART drumlines and post-release survival research. Each episode is a 101 on the species in focus.

This is the Great White episode and the first of the three.

We cover population estimates and what stable actually means scientifically, why the current range of 1,500 to 4,200 animals leaves so much room for uncertainty and what the whole genome sequencing work currently underway will tell us for the first time about historical baselines. Paul also walks through the annual east coast migration, how white sharks move from Tasmanian and Victorian waters northward each year, what draws them inshore and what the drone footage from tens of thousands of hours actually shows about their behaviour around humans.

We get into what happens at the scene of a shark bite, how species and size are identified from a bite imprint, whether genetic swabbing could one day identify repeat individuals, and what the data from SMART drumlines is actually telling researchers about movement and behaviour post-capture.

Paul also addresses directly whether there is evidence that Great Whites are becoming more confident near coastlines, what role whale presence plays in their inshore behaviour and why the last few metres of a predatory approach happen entirely blind.

If you have questions after listening to any of the three episodes, Paul has offered to record a dedicated Q and A episode once all three have aired. Send questions through via DM or comment.