Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini)

The ocean is a big place; a huge expanse of water teeming with life. For large ocean predators like sharks, on the lookout for the next meal, this watery wonderland can surely provide plenty of food to go around. But along the urbanised coast of South East Queensland, the ocean has changed. With fishing, tourism, development and transportation booming, it has become a tough place for these secretive hunters. This is the story of the Scalloped Hammerhead Shark. 

Today we’re on an adventure out into the beautiful Moreton Bay Marine Park; a three and a half thousand square kilometre expanse of subtropical, protected waters off the coast of Brisbane. We are joining Johann Gustafson from Griffith University to learn more about the elusive Scalloped Hammerhead Shark and why this species is now regarded by scientists globally as ‘Endangered’.

The ‘Back from the Brink’ series is the first of its kind to exhibit a series of short stories about South East Queensland’s most threatened plants and animals, what is happening to them, and how we can save them from extinction. Throughout 2018 we will showcase a plethora of amazing creatures from the beloved Koala to giant orchids, as well as the incredible people dedicating their lives to saving them.

If you would like to know more about this project or would like to be involved in some way contact us today.

If you would like to learn more about this species you can listen to the Back from the Brink podcast on our resource page.