Breeding season begins for endangered zebra sharks at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

THREE zebra shark eggs have marked a promising start to breeding season at Irukandji Shark & Ray Encounters, with the Anna Bay aquarium continuing to play an important role in an international mission to help save one of the world’s most endangered shark species.

Although the three eggs laid this week were unfertilised, staff say they signal the beginning of the breeding season and they are hopeful many more eggs will follow in the coming weeks.

For the team caring for the sharks, every egg represents another opportunity to help rebuild wild populations through the internationally recognised Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery (StAR) Project.

Irukandji Supervisor Cherie Nasbey said the breeding program requires patience, precision and optimism.

“The breeding season is always an exciting time for us,” Ms Nasbey told News Of The Area.

“Even though these first eggs weren’t fertile, it’s a great sign that our female has started laying. We know there is hopefully much more to come.”

The StAR Project brings together 10 accredited aquariums and conservation organisations worldwide to breed genetically suitable zebra sharks before fertile eggs are transported to protected waters in Indonesia.

The young sharks are raised in marine nurseries before being released into protected reef systems, helping restore a species that has declined dramatically due to shark finning, habitat loss and climate change.

Before any shark joins the breeding program, extensive genetic testing is carried out to ensure healthy bloodlines and maximise the success of future generations.

“The sharks chosen for breeding all undergo genetic testing to make sure they’re suitable and not closely related,” Ms Nasbey said.

“It’s incredibly rewarding knowing the work we’re doing here in Anna Bay is helping a global conservation effort.”

Visitors can also contribute to the project, with a percentage of every Zebra Shark Encounter donated directly to the StAR Project to support breeding, research and future releases.

Ms Nasbey said visitors are often surprised by the sharks’ gentle nature.

“They really are beautiful animals,” she said.

“They’re curious, they recognise their names, and every encounter helps people understand why these sharks are worth protecting.”

Throughout August, Irukandji is celebrating Locals Month, giving local residents half-price entry to experience zebra sharks, rays and many other marine animals.

While this week’s eggs were unfertilised, they mark the beginning of another breeding season filled with hope for one of the ocean’s most remarkable species.

By Althea GUINSBERG