Park is closed
North West Island shark research project
![Marine parks staff and researchers conversing on a vessel in the ocean.](https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0029/292556/varieties/thumb.png)
The department has contracted Biopixel Oceans Foundation to conduct shark research at North West Island.
Photo credit: © Biopixel Oceans Foundation
![Ranger tying a rope to vessel with island in background.](https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0030/292557/varieties/thumb.png)
Biopixel Oceans Foundation is conducting this research in a manner that does not increase the risk for water users and in accordance with marine parks and fisheries permits.
Photo credit: © Biopixel Oceans Foundation
![Close-up of ranger handling research equipment on vessel.](https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0027/292554/varieties/thumb.jpg)
Acoustic receivers (pictured) underwater allow us to monitor the movements and behaviour of tagged sharks.
Photo credit: © Biopixel Oceans Foundation
![Research equipment on vessel with island in the background.](https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0028/292555/varieties/thumb.jpg)
This important research will help inform the Queensland Government’s approach to SharkSmart education at North West Island (pictured),
Photo credit: © Biopixel Oceans Foundation
The Department of Environment, Science and Innovation through the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service has contracted Biopixel Oceans Foundation to conduct research into the prevalence, movements and behaviour of sharks around North West Island.
The research is conducted in a manner that does not increase the risk for water users.
The research involves a range of activities including shark tagging, drone surveys and underwater camera recordings.
Biopixel Oceans Foundation catches and tags sharks with acoustic tags and then releases them so we can monitor their movements and behaviour.
Biopixel Oceans Foundation is delivering this research in accordance with permits from our department, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
This important research helps scientists and government better understand the movements and behaviour of sharks and informs the Queensland Government’s approach to SharkSmart education at North West Island.
Additional details
- Sharks will be captured across four to six trips carried out over two years.
- Researchers actively avoid areas where people are participating in water activities and can adjust their field activities if required.
- Researchers do not chum/berley to attract sharks.
- Researchers use set lines to catch sharks that are passing through the area.
- The research is dependent on weather, tide and other conditions, so researchers move around to different locations and don’t have a set schedule each day.
- Some small semi-permanent floats may be visible to mark the position of research equipment including ‘listening stations’ for detecting tagged sharks.
Enquiries
For enquiries, please email qpwsgbrmcigbrmpr.corro@des.qld.gov.au.
On the island
When there is a campground host/research team staying on the island and when research is underway:
- If you have any concerns or questions, please speak to your campground host and they can relay them to the research team.
- If rangers are on the island, feel free to speak with them regarding the research.
- If the research team are staying on the island or conducting research from the shore, you are more than welcome to have a chat about what they are doing.
Be SharkSmart
Sharks live in our coastal waters in Queensland. Before you visit our remote islands, here are some SharkSmart tips to help keep you safe.
Sharks live in our coastal waters in Queensland. Before you visit our remote islands, here are some SharkSmart tips to help keep you safe.
Learn more how to be SharkSmart, visit the Fisheries Queensland SharkSmart website.
For other safety information, see Visiting Capricornia Cays safely and camp with care on our website.
![Aerial shot of shark swimming along coastline.](https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0025/292552/varieties/m.jpg)
Sharks are present in our coastal waters in Queensland at all times of the year. Be SharkSmart when visiting our remote islands.
Photo credit: © Queensland Government
- Announcement: Closure of North West Island 3 June to 13 September 2024
- North West Island declaration of Special Activity Area (Sharks) 22 October 2021 to 11 September 2024
- Visitors to Great Barrier Reef reminded to be SharkSmart 14 October 2020 to 21 August 2024
- Lady Musgrave Island, Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) Hazard 18 December 2020 to 21 August 2024