Despite claims that shark numbers are “booming,” there’s actually no scientific evidence to support this. In fact, many shark species are in decline.

A study from Griffith University and the University of Queensland found a 90% drop in large shark populations in QLD over the past 50 years, including tiger, bull, and great white sharks. Another recent study by the CSIRO & NSW Department of Primary Industries, using detailed DNA and genetic analysis to estimate white shark populations for both the south-east and south-west populations (2 separate populations exist within Australia), found slightly negative population trends. This is despite being listed as protected under State & Commonwealth legislation in the late 1990's.

These apex predators are vital for a healthy ocean so these numbers are deeply concerning.

So Why Does It Feel Like Shark Sightings Are Increasing?

Increases and advances in technology play a role in humans interacting more with sharks, as well as greater means of detection and reporting.

More people are using the water and for longer periods due to things such as improved wetsuit technology and improved weather forecasting.

People have larger boats with chart plotters and sounders which allows access to larger areas of the ocean, and to accurately target areas of high biomass i.e. reefs which overlap as shark habitat.

Advances in technology such as drones, cameras, phones & social media, which not only increase shark detections, but also our ability to report and be informed of shark sightings.

Adaptable and Intelligent: Sharks Evolve with Their Environment

Sharks are smart and highly adaptable - they’ve learned to follow fishing boats for an easy meal, warming oceans are changing where and when sharks travel, so they may be being seen in new areas where they haven't been seen before.

Media hype, fear-mongering, and frustration from depredation can also distort perception - but is not indicative of reality.

Shifting Baselines

It is also important to understand that the baseline has shifted. What is a shifting base line? It’s when each new generation of scientists, fishers, or the public accepts the state of the ocean (or shark populations) during their lifetime as “normal,” even if it's already dramatically degraded from the past.

In other words: If shark populations decline over decades, but each generation only compares current numbers to what they remember from their lifetime, and not the true historical numbers, then we underestimate how much has been lost, conservation targets get set too low and people may not realise how abundant sharks used to be.

The evidence is undeniable: shark populations are not exploding. As critical predators, they play an essential role in maintaining the health of our oceans. By separating fact from fiction, we can begin to rebuild respect and protection for these important marine animals.