Thousands of Sleeping Sharks Gather in Australian Waters

A unique underwater event took place off the coast of Australia, where thousands of Port Jackson sharks were discovered resting together in Beagle Marine Park.

This unusual gathering was spotted by a research team from the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) during a recent expedition.

The Port Jackson sharks, recognizable by their distinctive ridges and blunt noses, are typically nocturnal hunters, preying on squid, octopuses, and crustaceans in the southern coastal waters of Australia.

These sharks, which can grow up to 5.5 feet in length, were found resting 213 feet beneath the surface, tightly packed across the seabed like a living carpet.

Interestingly, all the sharks observed in this gathering were female, a phenomenon that has intrigued scientists.

Although the reason for this female-only congregation remains unclear, researchers speculate that the sharks might be preparing for their journey north to lay eggs after feasting on local delicacies like doughboy scallops.

This discovery marks the second time in six years that researchers have encountered such a gathering in the same marine park, emphasizing the significance of this area to the species.

Despite their somewhat fearsome appearance, Port Jackson sharks pose no threat to humans.

This article by Trinity Sparke  was first published by One Green Planet on 21 August 2024. Image Credit :Ian Geraint Jones/Shutterstock.

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