NEWS BRIEFING: Shark numbers dive 92 per cent in the last half a century

Shark populations off the east coast of Australia have been declining over the past 55 years and show little evidence of recovery, according to Australian research, suggesting any increase in attacks is not being driven by greater shark numbers. The researchers analysed the data on hammerhead sharks, whaler sharks, tiger sharks and Great White sharks from the Queensland Shark Control Program over 55 years. They found dramatic declines in shark numbers with drops ranging from 74 per cent for tiger sharks up to 92 per cent for hammerheads and white sharks. The researchers say the most likely reason for the decline is overfishing but that the Queensland Shark Control Program is also likely to have had a localised impact.