Shark Research 'Could Indicate' River Health

July 31, 2007

Release from: ABC News Online (Australia)

Scientists believe new shark research will shed more light on the health of north Australian rivers and estuaries.

The study of bull and pig eye sharks is one of 22 projects being coordinated by the new Tropical Rivers and Coastal Knowledge initiative.

Marine researcher Bree Tillett is among the 80 scientists taking part in research, which could have implications for agricultural irrigation.

"Bull sharks are found very much in fresh water environments, they could be quite heavily effected by run-off and changes within those freshwater ecosystems," she said.

"Through looking at how the life history of these two species interact throughout their life cycle then we can identify whether it is important to protect those freshwater environments."