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Shark aficionados would do well to visit New South Wales, as that state ranks over all others in numbers of sharks observed. It leads the count with 2,720 sightings and is followed by Queensland at 1,506 and Western Australia at 181. Victoria, South Australia, and the Northern Territory follow, with Tasmania holding up the rear with only two sharks there making the count. Sharks often wind up as by-catch in commercial fishery operations and many species are under threat. Smith hopes the count will raise awareness of sharks, particularly among fishermen and those who are most likely to encounter the streamlined fish. "Sharks can inspire awe, fear, respect, curiosity, concern and myths," he explained. "Most people love talking about sharks and we want people, particularly divers and fishers, to be involved in monitoring and to communicate what species they have seen and where so that we can all have a greater understanding of sharks in Australian waters." Adelaide's Fox Shark Research Foundation focuses specifically on great whites and their importance to the ecosystem. The foundation's executive director, Andrew Fox, enthusiastically supports the Australia count. "The project gives tremendous public exposure to creatures, which have previously suffered often-negative education campaigns in the past, such as during the media hype of any shark attack," Fox said. He added, "With the support of so many diverse groups monitoring sharks across Australia, this AUF initiative will not only provide valuable information on shark populations but, perhaps more importantly, it encourages a more positive social awareness essential to a sustainable future for sharks."
Jennifer Viegas' blog: Born Animal Participate in the Count and Report a Shark Sighting in Australia |
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