SACF in conjunction with Sydney Aquarium, created a first when in mid 2008, ten captive bred juvenile wobbegongs were tagged and released into Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve. In March 2011, four more captive-bred, tagged wobbegongs will be released in Long Reef, NSW. So far the data captured has been promising, showing that not only are the wobbys alive but are enjoying their new home.

Kate Lee, wobbegong researcher from Macquarie University has found some interesting and very positive results from the first 2 releases.

In September 2008 ten captive bred wobbegongs were released into Cabbage Tree Bay. The animals were all approximately 90cm in length and around 2 years old. Of the ten four left the area within a day of the release. However the remaining six used the area periodically, leaving and returning to the area in similar patterns to wild tagged animals.

In January 2010 a further five wobbegongs were released into the area, all approximately 120cm in length. One of these individuals remained in the area for 2 days following the release and was last detected on a receiver outside of the reserve suggesting it moved southwards. The remaining four individuals remained in the area only leaving for short periods of time of up to a week. Observations made during survey dives indicated that these individuals had assimilated with the wild population. 

In May 2010 two 75cm individuals were released into the area and have remained in the area being detected on the acoustic receivers on a daily basis.

So the news is pretty much all good for our captive bred sharks!

With numbers of wobbegongs decreasing along the NSW coast, predominantly due to overfishing and shark nets, this project is an important first step in determining the impact of releasing captive bred animals, for both the captive bred as well as the wild resident animals. As with most shark species, very little is known about current population numbers despite being a commercially targeted species.

Sydney Institute of Marine Science (SIMS), NSW Industry & Investment (Wild Fisheries Unit), Macquarie and Flinders Universities participated in the larger project, whereby wild wobbegongs within Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve were also tagged and monitored to guage the effects of the introduced sharks as well as to collect general ecological data on the wobbegongs found in the area. 

Wobbegongs are a particular favourite amongst recreational divers. The recreational catch for wobbegongs was reduced to 0 in 2007 based on declining numbers. Avoid eating 'flake' or shark fillets as you may be eating our wobby friends.

If you'd like to help support this project (or other SACF projects) you can do so by adopting one of our gorgeous animals including wobbegongs. Click here to adopt now.