CSIRO PUBLISHING | Wildlife Research

White Sharks Global was the first international white shark conference since the white shark research community met in Honolulu (Hawaii) in February 2010. With the increasing amount of studies focused on white sharks but continued and evolving issues around this species, the recent conference held in Port Lincoln (Australia) in November 2023 was a timely opportunity for scientists, managers, industry, and students to meet, exchange knowledge, report on recent scientific studies, and facilitate in-depth discussions of key challenges related to white sharks (e.g. managing human-shark interactions, supporting the recovery of this threatened species).

This collection of Wildlife Research papers features selected studies presented during White Sharks Global and outputs from workshops held during the conference. Other recent studies on white sharks that can help in the management of this threatened but potentially dangerous species are also included.

Guest Editors
Charlie Huveneers (Flinders University)
Lauren Meyer (Flinders University)
Samantha Andrzejaczek (Stanford University)
Chris Lowe (California State University Long Beach)

Last Updated: 20 May 2025

WR24145Transoceanic dispersal and connectivity of a white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) between southern Africa and Southeast Asia

Dylan T. Irion

, Oliver J. D. Jewell

, Alison V. Towner, Fahmi

, G. Christopher Fischer, Enrico Gennari

, Madison Stewart, John P. Tyminski

and Alison A. Kock

A photograph of a satellite transmitter used to tag shark species.

We report the discovery of potential population connectivity between southern Africa and Southeast Asia. This short communication details the chain of events that led to the recovery of a long defunct satellite transmitter, made possible through the trusting relationships and respect built between shark fishers and conservation organisations in the region. Further areas of research focus and collaboration are highlighted. Photograph by Caragh Fraser.

This article belongs to the collection: White Sharks Global proceedings and recent advances in white shark ecology and conservation.

WR24136Seasonal patterns of adult and subadult white shark presence at coastal aggregation sites in central California

Samantha Andrzejaczek

, Taylor K. Chapple, Alexandra E. DiGiacomo

, Salvador J. Jorgensen, Scot D. Anderson, Michael Castleton, Paul E. Kanive, Theodore E. J. Reimer, Timothy D. White and Barbara A. Block

A white shark swims at the surface by Año Nuevo Island, California.

We used acoustic tracking to examine seasonal habitat use of subadult and adult white sharks in central California, focusing on aggregation patterns near pinniped colonies. Data from 355 tags, deployed between 2006 and 2022, showed that adult males displayed the highest residency and earlier seasonal peaks, whereas subadults demonstrated higher coastal affinity year-round. The differences in habitat use among demographic groups are likely to be due to varying foraging and reproductive strategies, with expanded tracking showing new potential aggregation sites. Photograph by Samantha Andrzejaczek.

This article belongs to the collection: White Sharks Global proceedings and recent advances in white shark ecology and conservation.

WR24132Evidence for an ecological two-population model for white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) in Australian waters

T. G. Burke

, C. Huveneers, L. Meyer, J. P. W. Hollins, L. Loseto, J. M. Werry and N. E. Hussey

Two white shark vertebrae of different sizes being displayed on gloved hands.

Understanding the population structure and connectivity of highly migratory fishes across their range is crucial information to develop and implement conservation initiatives for vulnerable species. This study aimed to characterise the extent of ontogenetic divergence in resource–habitat behaviour of two proposed subpopulations of white sharks in Australia. Differences in isotopic profiles of vertebrae across ontogeny from juvenile to subadult life stages support an ecological two-population model in Australia, suggesting the need for region-specific management. Photograph by Teah Burke.

This article belongs to the collection: White Sharks Global proceedings and recent advances in white shark ecology and conservation.