Sharks released off Sydney beach for study

SYDNEY (Reuters) - A Sydney aquarium released seven sharks bred in captivity and tagged with acoustic tracking devices into the waters off a city beach on Tuesday to study if it is feasible to breed sharks to restock dwindling wild numbers.

The two-year-old wobbegong, or carpet sharks, measuring up to 80 cms in length, are bottom-dwelling sharks and regarded as harmless but can grow to three meters (10 feet) in length.

The study will provide an insight into the feasibility of releasing aquarium-bred sharks to restock populations in local areas, as well as the role marine parks can play in protecting species, said Sydney Aquarium Conservation Fund Coordinator Claudette Rechtorik.

By monitoring the sharks, marine scientists will learn more about their growth patterns and behavior and how long they spend in protected waters.

"Shark populations are being depleted because of practices such as over-fishing, shark-finning and the use of shark nets at beaches, so we're keen to raise awareness about the need to protect sharks, particularly those which are found mainly in Australian waters like wobbegongs," Rechtorik said.

(Reporting by Michael Perry; Editing by Paul Tait)