Abstract
1. This paper summarizes aspects of the biology and conservation of the grey nurse shark (Carcharias taurus) in south-eastern Australian waters. This species has been a totally protected species in the State of New South Wales since 1984 and, as far as is known, was the first protected shark in the world. 2. Aspects discussed include systematics and taxonomy, distribution and biogeography, morphology and behaviour, reproduction and migrations, feeding habits, fisheries value and claims of attacks on humans, and impacts of protective beach meshing, spearfishing and SCUBA diving. The background to, and history of, moves to protect and conserve the species in New South Wales waters are also covered. 3. Results of surveys of the abundance of this species at Seal Rocks, an area off the mid-north coast of New South Wales where grey nurse sharks are known to aggregate, are reported. Also, a summary of the results of a telephone survey of commercial dive shop operators regarding the occurrence of grey nurse sharks along the New South Wales coastline is presented. 4. Finally, recommendations are made concerning the need for further research on, and management of, this species in Australian waters.
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