Final report: A14 Identification of near-shore habitats of juvenile white sharks in south-western Australia
Understanding the spatial dynamics and behaviour of the juvenile life stage of the white shark, Carcharodon carcharias, from the southern-western Australian (SWA) population is crucial to deriving a total abundance estimate and informing future management plans.
The Head of the Great Australian Bight, including several marine parks – Great Australian Bight, Murat, Western Eyre (Commonwealth) and Nuyts Archipelago (State) Marine Parks, appear to be important habitat for white sharks of all life stages. However, further on-water activity and an expansion of the UAV survey into waters west of the Head of Bight would assist with characterising the diversity of this region and provide greater opportunity for deeper engagement with the Traditional Owners of Country. Although difficult to establish effective offshore monitoring, targeted surveys of the Murat (e.g. around Yatala Reef) and Western Eyre Marine Parks would also increase our understanding of white shark distribution as well as biodiversity in the GAB.