The Cape Byron Leopard Shark Project is a collaborative citizen-science initiative based at Nguthungulli Julian Rocks in Cape Byron Marine Park. Initiated by Sundive Byron Bay, the project has identified over 600 individual Stegostoma tigrinum since 2003 — one of the world’s longest-running photo-ID programs for this species — revealing site fidelity, seasonal aggregation, and sex-biased resightings that guide management and conservation.
Leopard Sharks Identified
Continuous Research
Female Resightings
A new initiative investigating the population structure and site fidelity of wobbegongs within Cape Byron Marine Park. Using diver-based photo ID and acoustic telemetry, this project explores habitat use and behaviour of these camouflaged carpet sharks.
Conducted in partnership with the Marine Megafauna Foundation, this program studies seasonal aggregations of juvenile whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjoura. Research combines tagging, laser photogrammetry, and citizen science photo ID to understand migration and population connectivity.
Focused on whale shark aggregations along Oman’s southern coast, this collaboration with the Marine Megafauna Foundation and the Environment Society of Oman documents seasonal patterns and critical habitats through aerial surveys, tagging, and community engagement.
A national citizen-science initiative encouraging divers and snorkellers to report sightings and photographs of leopard sharks across Australia to help track individuals and understand population movements.
A long-term study of manta rays led by the University of the Sunshine Coast, integrating photo-identification, tagging and genetics to understand population structure and movements across eastern Australia.
A community-driven research platform that gathers diver photos of grey nurse sharks to support conservation management and track individuals along Australia’s east coast.
Acoustic-based monitoring by Living Ocean recording marine mammal and fish sounds to assess ocean biodiversity and ecosystem health in Australian waters.
Research on seasonal aggregations of juvenile whale sharks in the Gulf of Tadjoura, combining tagging, laser photogrammetry and citizen-science photo ID to understand migration and connectivity.
Peer-reviewed publications authored or co-authored by Sundive Research collaborators and partners.
Press features and articles highlighting the work around Nguthungulli Julian Rocks and our wider research collaborations.
Oceanographic Magazine · 2023
“Spots and Stripes” — Feature on the Cape Byron Leopard Shark Project
Read article ↗Australian Geographic · 2025
“Spotting Leopard Sharks Once Again”
Read article ↗Byron Coast Times · 2025
“Leopard Sharks In Focus”
Read article ↗Marine Megafauna Foundation · 2024
Cape Byron Leopard Shark Project — Interview
Read article ↗