Mako sharks are a popular target for game fishers along the Victorian coast. They are the world\u2019s fastest shark, capable of bursts of speed close to 80km\/hr and are infamous for gigantic leaps out of the water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Victoria, there is limited research into our mako shark population including their movement, distribution and genetic connectivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To gain an understanding of the species, research is currently being conducted by the Victorian Fisheries Authority<\/a>, Deakin University and VRFish. Funded by recreational fishing licence fees, the mako shark research tagging program aims to learn more about the distribution, movement characteristics and habitat preference of shortfin mako sharks within the Victorian fishery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To conduct the research, scientists from the Victorian Fisheries Authority have been busy tagging sharks with satellite tags. Since the project commenced, scientists have tagged five makos including one male and four female sharks. While the tags can take a temperature profile, this study focuses on their movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The tags share information to satellites every time the shark comes up to the surface and the information is relayed back to the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s website<\/a> online map. <\/p>\n\n\n\n