Tagging of School Shark, Galeorhinus australis (Macleay) (Carcharhanidae) in South-eastern Australian Waters

Abstract

In south-eastern Australian waters, 5835 school sharks have been tagged since 1947. The two techniques used and the effects of some of the tags on the fins and body walls are described.

It was found that the percentage return from experiments using both internal and fin tags was three times that from experiments using only fin tags. No significant difference was found in the numbers of white and grey Petersen disc fin tags returned. No deterioration has been detected in these tags and the silver tagging wires have not shown any appreciable signs of wear.

Under natural conditions the incision made in the body wall for this insertion of the internal tag has been found to have healed completely within 2 months. Often there is no sign of the scar after 12 months.