Research Proposal
Project Title
Movement patterns of whale sharks in the GBRMP and Coral Sea.
Date of commencement of field studies
1 August 2014
Requested Duration of Permit
5 years (this is longer than the 3 year standard period, however the longer time period is
needed to facilitate the long-term data needed for tracking studies)
Purpose of the research
The aim of this research is to examine the presence and movement patterns of whale sharks
in the GBR and Coral Sea:
 Photo identification of individuals and examination of connectivity to other regions
via comparison with other photo ID databases (Non-extractive)
 Satellite tracking of the movement and dispersal patterns of individuals located within
the GBR and Coral Sea (Manipulative in situ)
 Acoustic tracking of whale sharks within the GBR via existing acoustic receiver
arrays (Manipulative in situ)
 Collect samples (e.g. tissue biopsy, parasites) to allow research into genetic or stock
connectivity (Manipulative in situ)
5. Location
Given the potentially large distribution and ability to move extensive distances this work will
encompass the entire GBR and extend into the Coral Sea. However, efforts will focus around
northern regions offshore from Cairns and Port Douglas.
6. Activity
Manipulative and non-extractive research – Tag and track individuals, photograph
individuals, collect tissue or parasite samples where possible.
7. Type of Activity
Is your application likely to be referred to the Environmental Research Ethics Advisory
Committee?
N/A – EREAC no longer exists.
Is it a commercial activity?
No
8. Operational Details
Frequency and duration of the field component
The field component of the research will last for a period of 5 years. Satellite and acoustic
tags will be deployed opportunistically throughout the permit period.
What vessel will you be using?
The Moana III charter vessel will be the main platform for research work and satellite tag
deployment. Additional charter vessels and research vessels will be used opportunistically.
Additional photographs and tissue samples may be collected opportunistically (i.e., if
encountered during other research efforts) while working from various JCU and AIMS
research vessels.
10. Sampling details
Background
Understanding the movement and site fidelity of sharks and fish is fundamental to the
development of sound management. This study will tag whale sharks in the northern GBR
and Coral Sea to understand their movement patterns and define connectivity to other regions.
This research will integrate with ongoing studies of shark and fish populations along the east
coast of Queensland aimed at providing scientific data for improved management of shark
populations.
Procedure
Non-extractive research
Individuals will be encountered while freely swimming and will not be captured or restrained
in any way during research procedures. The size of individuals will be estimated, sex noted
and photographs taken for identification of individuals.
Manipulative research
Where possible a small tissue sample (biopsy) will be collected using a hand spear, and/or
copepod parasites collected for genetic and stock assessment studies. Copepod collection will
occur by hand collecting parasites from the mouth region of free swimming individuals. Up
to 20 individuals per year (100 total over 5 year period if possible) will be sampled (for
biopsy and copepod analysis) and fitted with pop-off satellite and/or acoustic transmitters.
Both types of transmitter will be inserted into the dorsal musculature near the first dorsal fin
or into the dorsal fin using a spear gun or hand spear. All vessel motors will be disengaged
during tagging and tissue extraction. Only experienced individuals will be allowed to
undertake sampling. New individuals will only be permitted to conduct sampling after full
training by experienced staff and within accepted best practise for shark sampling and
tagging. Tagging and biopsy sampling will be conducted based on previously approved
methods in GBRMPA permit G14/36624.1. Dart tags (tethered to satellite and acoustic tags),
in this case, will be applied via modified spear. This is the accepted approach for large sharks
and world’s best practice for white, whale and basking sharks. The dart will be inserted into
the dorsal musculature at the base of the dorsal fin. The spear contains a stopper to ensure the
tag is seated at an appropriate tissue depth. These activities will fall under currently approved
animal ethics permits from James Cook University (Approval No. A1933).
Whale sharks tend to aggregate around fish feeding activity. As such in order to increase
replication, fish attractants (burley) and fishing practices will be necessary as part of the
research program. Given the pelagic and migratory nature of these species the attracting,
tagging and sampling may need to occur in Marine National Park Zones. No fish collected as
part of the attractant process will be retained, all will be released alive back to their original
habitat – as that is not the focus of the study. Once whale sharks are seen the attractant
process will cease. Due to the large expanse of Marine National Park Zones and Buffer zones
offshore, notably offshore Cooktown and Cairns (B-14-3005; MNP 15-1034; MNP 16-1049;
MNP 16-1056; MNP 16-1061) and these areas also being known for whale shark sightings, it
is requested that access be granted to these zones (and all other offshore MNPZ and BZ) for
the following reasons:
1) Cannot be reasonably conducted elsewhere: Whale sharks are large migratory
animals. While all efforts will be made to undertake research in zones other than
MNPZ and BZ, due to the large tracts of MNPZ and BZ offshore, this research needs
to occur in these zones to be effective. Whale sharks can be extremely rare and
sightings of these sharks have been seen in the MNPZ’s offshore Cairns and
Cooktown. As part of the research, we would like to determine through tracking
where these sharks go and how much of the GBRMP they actually use. Hence the
request for access to MNPZ’s and BZ throughout the Marine Park.
2) The research is a priority for management: The Outlook Report 2009 lists our
knowledge of sharks and rays as poor. Given the listed risks and impact the projected
condition of sharks and rays (as per the Draft Strategic Assessment) is rated as Very
Poor. Overall sharks and rays are considered to be in poor condition. While this may
apply more to inshore species there is a large knowledge gap around whale sharks on
the Great Barrier Reef. Given their tendency to migrate outside the Marine Park into
less protected waters, understanding how important the Great Barrier Reef is to their
survival is imperative.
11. Management considerations
What are the likely impacts and benefits of this study on other users and the conservation
values of the Marine Park?
This project has many beneficial implications within this region.
 Results of this research will help define the size, structure and location of the whale
shark population present along the east coast of Australia.
 Satellite and acoustic tracking will define how much of the GBR individuals use and
how long individuals remain within Australian waters. Connectivity to other regions
will be defined via satellite tracking of broad scale movements.
 Results of this study will provide benefits to users of the Marine Park by providing a
better understanding of the movement of individuals within this system. These data
will be crucial to management decisions by GBRMPA and the Department of the
Environment.
How have you reduced the impacts of this research?
The study design is meant to have minimal or no impact in all respects. Sharks will remain
free swimming during all procedures to minimise stress or other impacts derived from
interaction with them.