Examining annual catch trends and gear selectivity of bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas): implications for Queensland’s coastal management

Riley Banaghan; Alexis L Levengood; Bonnie Holmes

doi:10.1071/MF24256

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Examining annual catch trends and gear selectivity of bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas): implications for Queensland’s coastal management

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Examining annual catch trends and gear selectivity of bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas): implications for Queensland’s coastal management

Riley Banaghan, Alexis L Levengood and Bonnie Holmes

Marine and Freshwater Research , Vol.76(9), pp.1-15

2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/MF24256

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Abstract

bather protection

bull shark

Carcharhinus leucas

conservatino

drumlines

elasmobranchs

fisheries

gill-net

Context In coastal waters of eastern Australia, the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) is one of the most frequently caught shark species within the Queensland Shark Control Program (QSCP). Aims An analysis of 27 years of QSCP catch data (1996–2022) involving 2352 bull sharks from nine locations spanning 1700 km captured in gill-nets or on drumlines identified changes in catch composition and gear selectivity. Methods Linear regression tested trends in length and catchability, and selectivity and bias were evaluated through mean and distribution comparison tests. Key results Drumlines caught more sharks (80.1%), indicating stronger selectivity for C. leucas of all size classes. A decline in standardised catch per unit effort (CPUE) was noted in tropical regions for each gear type, yet there were increases of bull sharks caught within subtropical gill-nets (P < 0.001). The sex ratio was female biased on drumlines (1.85:1) and in gill-nets (1.53:1). Conclusions Our findings corroborated previous research, highlighting the significance of considering regional variations in CPUE, sex ratios and size compositions of sharks caught in shark control programs. Implications Catch rates provide insights into shark population trends, particularly where gear configurations have remained relatively consistent. Downward trends may indicate unsustainable harvest, or external influences.

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Title: Examining annual catch trends and gear selectivity of bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas): implications for Queensland’s coastal management
Authors: Riley Banaghan (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Alexis L Levengood - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Bonnie Holmes - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Publication details: Marine and Freshwater Research , Vol.76(9), pp.1-15
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date published: 2025
DOI: 10.1071/MF24256
ISSN: 1448-6059
Copyright note: © 2025 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND)
Data Availability: The data that support this study will be shared upon reasonable request to the corresponding author
Grant note: This work was funded under the Sunshine Coast Bull Shark Program, led by the University of the Sunshine Coast, with partners the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Sunshine Coast Council, Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation and Sea Life Mooloolaba.
Organisation Unit: School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991131904702621
Output Type: Journal article

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Web Of Science research areas: Fisheries; Limnology; Marine & Freshwater Biology; Oceanography