Shark Spotters shark tracking

Broadnose sevengill sharks (Notorynchus cepedianus) are apex predators that have a global distribution in the shelf and coastal waters of temperate seas. A limited number of studies have assessed the demography and movement patterns of sevengills. Acoustic and satellite telemetry have also been used to provide more detailed insights into the behaviour, fine scale movements and habitat usage of sevengills in certain areas, including south-east Tasmania and the north-west Pacific.

In both areas movement patterns ranged from seasonal aggregations in coastal areas such as bays and estuaries, to long distance (>400 km) coastal migrations. However the drivers behind these patterns in movement are largely unclear, and may be related to reproductive behaviour, seasonal shifts in prey abundance and distribution, or environmental factors such as changing water temperatures. The primary aim of this research is to investigate the behaviour and movement patterns of broadnose sevengill sharks, both on a fine scale in False Bay, and more broadly along the South African coast.

This knowledge will be used to improve our understanding of distribution, population connectivity, patterns of residency, site fidelity and migration for this species, with the overarching objective of improving management and conservation strategies to ensure the sustained presence of this important apex predator in the coastal ecosystems they inhabit.