Non Technical Summary

This work provides a scientific tool for the identification of species known collectively as whaler sharks. There are important differences in the behaviour, size and preferred habitats of the different species within this group, however accurate identification is difficult, and previously depended on expert scientific analysis of teeth and other features. The methods described in this paper provide the basis for developing a rapid but accurate species-identification scheme, based on very small flesh samples taken from each shark. DNA-based techniques have been developed to provide a method for uniquely identifying six different species of whalers which occur in catches from recreational gamefishing and from the protective beach meshing program on NSW beaches. The development of a unique 'DNA fingerprint' for each species will allow accurate identification of shark species, and lead to better scientific information on these important marine animals.