Sharks

Great White Shark

The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) is also known as the white pointer shark.

It is thought that the global population of the shark is declining and, if it were to become extinct as a key predator, this would have effects to the balance of the broader ecosystem.

The great white shark typically inhabits the open ocean and research is being carried out to monitor and determine movement patterns, activity levels and behaviour of great white sharks. This information will enable users of South Australia’s marine waters to evaluate the various levels of risk based on location and the time of the year.

Sharks and the Law

The great white shark is fully protected in South Australia and all other Australian state and Commonwealth waters.

There are restrictions on the number and size of gummy sharks (Mustelus antarcticus) and school sharks (Galeorhinus galeus) that can be caught:

  • Minimum legal length:
 45 cm measured from the 5th gill slit to the base of the tail
  • Personal daily bag limit:
 a total of 2 including gummy and school shark
  • Daily bag limit:
 a total of 6 including gummy and school shark

Berleying

Activities that might attract sharks are also regulated.  It is illegal to use the blood, bone, meat, offal or skin of an animal, including birds, as berley when fishing in marine waters of the State.

Fishing gear restrictions

It is illegal to take fish by using a wire trace of 2 mm or greater gauge in conjunction with fishing hooks size 12/0 or greater.


Shark response plan

PIRSA Fisheries, in conjunction with other State Government agencies, has established a shark response plan. The plan provides for the quick response to any shark sightings that may endanger human life and divides sightings into three categories:

Patrolled beaches
Sightings on beaches patrolled by Surf Life Saving guards: nominated lead agency Surf Life Saving SA.

Onshore
Sightings of large sharks or attacks by sharks adjacent to the coast, in particular near swimming beaches: nominated lead agency SA Police.

Offshore
Sightings of large sharks (ie greater than 3 metres in length) between 1 and 16 kms offshore: nominated lead agency PIRSA FISHWATCH.


Reporting a shark sighting

Report any positive sightings of large sharks to:

  • the 24 hour FISHWATCH hotline on 1800 065 522
  • South Australian Police on 131 444 (all hours)
  • Surf Life Saving SA on 08 8377 1600

You will need to give the following information:

  • location and number of sharks
  • how close the shark is to shore
  • how close the shark is to swimmers or other people
  • species of shark involved (if known) including description and approximate size
  • any other details that might be relevant.

In an emergency

If you see a threatening interaction with a shark, phone the police on 000. The police will involve PIRSA Fisheries in the appropriate emergency response.


Shark sighting log

PIRSA Fisheries keep a log of reported shark sightings.


More information

PIRSA Fisheries produces a brochure with more information about the great white shark and the shark response plan.