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 January 2010, ten more captive-bred, tagged wobbegongs will be released in the same location. So far the data captured has been promising, showing that not only are the wobbys alive but are enjoying their new home.

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.