The Australian Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus)… These large and distinctive sharks have suffered terribly from the perception they are man-eaters. So much so that their very survival in Australian waters is in doubt. Quite how, what used to be a thriving species, could reach such a critical point is a very sad story… One that basically mirrors our engagement, as Australians, with the waters around our island nation!
There are populations of Grey Nurses on both the east and west coasts of the country.
In the east they are to be found in many spots along the coast of New South Wales. From Byron Bay in the north, all the way down to Montague Island near Narooma in the south of the state.
While in Western Australia they are mainly found in the south-west coastal waters of the state. But have been recorded as far north as the North West Shelf.
Although they are now formally protected. Their slow rate of reproduction means that the Grey Nurse is quite possibly fighting a losing battle to restore its numbers to anywhere near what they used to be just 40 years ago.
Check out the links below to understand how this impressive animal became the most endangered shark species in the country.
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The Grey Nurse
Known as Sand Tigers in the USA, and Ragged Tooth shark in Southern Africa, the Australian Grey Nurse is a large and distinctive shark.
They are found on both the east and west coasts of Australia and aggregate at key sites at certain times of the year – Read more…
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Persecution
The persecution of the big and fierce looking Australian Grey Nurse shark is an incredibly sad but classic tale of mistaken identity.
Perceived as man-eaters, they were hunted to the brink of extinction and are now the most endangered shark in Australia – Read more…
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Conservation
The conservation of the Grey Nurse shark is very much work in progress… Much needs to be done to ensure the survival of the species.
Australian diving icons Ron and Valerie Taylor were among the first people to realize the Grey Nurse needed protection – Read more…
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Diving With Them
Their size, composure and physical presence makes diving with Australian Grey Nurse sharks truly memorable and exciting experience!
But you must avoid stressing the sharks by blocking their distinct swimming patterns and invading their “personal space” – Read more…
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X-Ray Article
Extensive article published by the global diving magazine X-Ray about the history, persecution and conservation of the Grey Nurse.
The article also explains the Grey Nurse shark aggregation site near Maroubra Beach in Sydney’s eastern suburbs – Read more…
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Scuba Diver Article
Scuba Diver published my four-page article on the history, persecution and conservation of the the Australian Grey Nurse shark
The images were taken in the cave at Magic Point where great care is required and not to stress or disturb the sharks – Read more…
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