Reef sharks aren’t naturally aggressive creatures. They’re quite shy. But can they be dangerous?
If you’re visiting the Great Barrier Reef and you’re worried about sharks?
Shark attacks generally only happen 3-4 times per year, and the majority of these attacks occur in Western Australia or New South Wales.
But just like any animal, reef sharks should be protected and treated with care, respect and caution.
If you’re visiting the Great Barrier Reef and you’re worried about sharks, don’t stress! Sharks are given a bad reputation in the media. It’s true, the idea of a shark attack is scary – but just remember they’re incredibly rare, and don’t tend to happen so much around the Great Barrier Reef.
Species of reef sharks in the Great Barrier Reef
There are a variety of different sharks in the Great Barrier Reef.
Great Barrier Reef is home to around 50 different shark species!
In the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll find whale sharks, tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, leopard sharks, black tip/white tip reef sharks, and wobbegong sharks. It’s predicted that these sharks have inhabited the ocean for over 444 million years.
The Great Barrier Reef relies on these sharks for its health. The reef is a living, breathing thing, and requires these sharks to sustain it properly.
Shark ‘radar’ sensors…Reef sharks have a great sense of direction due to a sense called ‘electroreception’ – this unique sense helps them to detect electrical signals which are given out by other animals. It works a bit like a radar, allowing them to locate their prey.
Different areas of the reef have varying traffic of different shark species. For example, the Osprey Reef has lots of reef shark sightings! For avid divers who are seeking out a fun, close encounter with a shark, this reef is the ultimate spot!
Most sharks can sense other animals even when the visibility in the ocean is low. That’s how they have a great sense of direction!
Do reef sharks attack humans?
Reef sharks will only really attack when they feel threatened to do so! Otherwise, reef sharks will probably just keep to themselves because they are shy creatures.
They’re normally doing their own thing and looking for their food. Otherwise called the ‘vacuums of the ocean’, reef sharks will swim around the depths of the ocean searching for small fish, crustaceans and squid.
If you see a shark in the Great Barrier Reef…
Don’t stress! Sharks are only dangerous when we give them a reason to be. Remember, they’re probably scared of you, and they’ll keep their distance just as much as you will keep your distance from them!
They are not aggressive creatures by nature.
Going on a guided snorkelling or scuba diving tour along the Great Barrier Reef? Your dive instructor or tour guide will give you the guide to shark safety, so you can enjoy the magic of the Great Barrier Reef whilst staying safe.
See reef sharks in the Great Barrier Reef for yourself!
Spot these amazing creatures in the Great Barrier Reef! Come on a snorkelling or scuba diving tour on board and check out the wonderful marine life that exists in the Great Barrier Reef.