A Grey Nurse Shark swimming in a cave in Seal Rocks, New South Wales, Australia

Images(3)

A Grey Nurse Shark swimming in a cave in Seal Rocks, New South Wales, Australia

Photographer Valerie Taylor (born 1935)

Date1953-2000

Object numberANMS1458[299]

NamePhotographic slide

MediumColour transparency film, paper

DimensionsOverall (Inc carrier): 50 × 50 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Valerie Taylor in memory of Ron Taylor

Terms

DescriptionThe Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus), also known as the sand tiger shark, is a mackerel shark from the order Lamniformes. It is found across the world’s temperate and subtropical coastlines, especially around Australia. Unfortunately, despite their calm demeanour, the intimidating appearance of Grey Nurses led to them being branded as “man-eaters”, promoting extensive hunting in the 1960s. Populations rapidly declined until 1984 when Grey Nurse Sharks were declared protected in NSW waters by parliament – the first shark species to be legally safeguarded in the world. Valerie Taylor led this movement for protecting these sharks by speaking to media and sharing her stories. Valerie once said, “The only thing you should shoot a Grey Nurse Shark with is a camera”.