Andrew Aylett - Ripple Effect Oceanwear (www.reow.com.au)

The Sydney Aquarium Conservation Fund (SACF) in conjunction with the Sydney Aquarium released four captive-bred, wobbegong sharks at Long Reef Aquatic Reserve, NSW in March 2011.

The successful shark release was the third release in a marine research study to investigate the ability of captive bred sharks to survive in the wild. The study has now involved the release of 21 captive bred wobbegongs at Cabbage Tree Bay and Long Reef Aquatic Reserves.

Wobbegong population numbers have steadily decreased along the NSW coast, predominantly due to overfishing and the use of shark nets along our beaches. The dramatic loss of such a large abundance of apex predators is likely to have major impacts on the local marine ecosystems, the extent of which remains unknown. One possible solution to assist with the rebuild of local wobbegong populations is the release of captive bred sharks, the impacts of which are not well known. SACF's release of the wobbegongs is a critical step in understanding the survival rates of captive bred sharks and determining the possible impacts releasing captive bred animals may have upon the local resident populations.

Despite being a species that is heavily targeted commercially, very little is known about current wobbegong numbers. Results collected during the first two years of the study have shown that captive bred wobbegongs released into the wild have a very high survival rate, assimilate with wild wobbegong populations and predominantly remained within the Aquatic Reserves. These positive results provide a vital understanding of the shark populations and play an important role in future marine park management and zoning.

In an attempt to mitigate the severely declining population numbers the recreational catch for wobbegongs was reduced to 0 in 2007. Additional protection from commercial fishing gained by the 'no-take' aquatic reserves is likely to have contributed to the high survival rates of the released wobbegongs. Further data collected by the study will help provide a better understanding of the importance of aquatic reserves in maintaining the vitality of marine ecosystems.

The study has gained tremendous support with over 120 members of the community, including local school and media groups, attending the latest shark release. More wobbegongs are scheduled to be released in the near future, if you wish to participate and for further information please contact Claudette Rechtorik of the SACF at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . To provide support for this study and other related projects please visit the SACF website: www.sacf.org.au