Biodiversity #15 – Wobbegong

Biodiversity #15 – Wobbegong: the world’s most chilled shark. Wobbegongs represent just 12 species of carpet sharks in the family Orectolobidae in the order Orectolobiformes which includes the whale shark and zebra shark.

While wobbegong sharks are not currently protected in most Australian states, recreational fishers have had a bag limit of zero since 2007, while commercial fishers were restricted to a bag limit of six wobbegongs per day with a minimum size limit of 130 cm.

According to Status of Australian Fish Stocks Reports, in NSW, wobbegong catch declined by more than 50% between 1997–1998 and 2007–2008, after which it stabilised. This led to all three species of wobbegong occurring in NSW, including the banded wobbegong, to be listed as Vulnerable in that state. New NSW management regulations in May 2008 introduced a daily limit of six wobbegongs. As a result, wobbegongs are no longer targeted to the same extent as they used to be in NSW. In other Australian states, wobbegongs are not targeted and catches are low. An IUCN Green List assessment carried out in 2021 found that they were fully recovered from these declines. Therefore, the species is assessed as Least Concern (IUCN) and Sustainable (SAFS).

Wobbegongs are well camouflaged with symmetrical patterns and often it’s difficult to distinguish the different species. There are spotted, banded, ornate, tasselled, and my personal favourite – the big eared wobbegong.

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They spend much of their time ‘resting’ on the sea floor. Note: Wobbegongs are very flexible and can easily bite a hand holding on to their tail. You have been warned – admire them from a distance or up close, but without a prod or a poke to see how soundly they are sleeping. It would be rare to dive in NSW waters without seeing a wobbe. The one in the banner was taken at Fish Rock, the one above in Nelson Bay, NSW.

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2 thoughts on “Biodiversity #15 – Wobbegong

    1. Hi David – you are correct – I think Simon was trying to highlight the fact that the bag limit is zero – making it protected in a way (and maybe trying to be funny? Don’t think there’s a Big Ears Wobby species) I’ve edited the post to reflect its official status with the latest assessment from Fisheries.

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