When we think of sharks, it’s easy to imagine them as aggressive predators jealously guarding their turf. This myth is often perpetrated by Hollywood, by media, and even by governments. As an example of how these myths of ‘territory’ gain traction, the New South Wales government has long claimed their shark nets stop sharks setting up territories, as a way to defend their shark net program. But is that actually true? Are sharks territorial like lions or wolves? Or is their behaviour misunderstood?
What Does ‘Territorial’ Really Mean for Sharks?
Territorial behaviour usually means an animal defends a specific area from others of its kind, or as is the cause of concern when it comes to sharks, from other species including humans. While some shark species may display site fidelity, returning to or lingering in the same area, scientists generally don’t consider sharks to be truly territorial.
For example, grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) are known to patrol specific coral reef zones, particularly at night. But they don’t necessarily “defend” these areas from others. Instead, they tend to avoid conflict and overlap ranges with other sharks when necessary.
What About Migratory Sharks?
Many of the larger, more well-known species, such as white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) and tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier), are migratory and do not appear to patrol or defend a specific area. Instead, these sharks travel thousands of kilometres each year across ocean basins in search of food, mating opportunities, and favourable environmental conditions. To go back to the shark net example, the NSW recently admitted that shark nets do not stop white sharks setting up territories, because white sharks do not defend territories. For example, satellite tracking studies have shown white sharks migrating between South Africa and Australia, or from California to Hawaii, following seasonal patterns in prey abundance and water temperature. Similarly, tiger sharks in the Atlantic have been observed exhibiting “yo-yo” migration behaviour, moving between shallow coastal areas and deeper oceanic zones without any clear territorial attachment. These patterns suggest that for many migratory sharks, movement is driven by ecological needs rather than territorial instinct.
Aggression vs. Curiosity
Much of what’s interpreted as shark aggression, especially in interactions with humans, is more accurately described as exploratory behaviour. Sharks don’t have hands, so they use their mouths to investigate. That can look, and feel, aggressive, but it’s rarely a targeted ‘attack’ as Hollywood or media might have you believe. Remember, their goal is to sell tickets and advertising respectively, not to accurately represent one of the oceans top apex predators.
In fact, studies show that most shark bites on humans are single, non-fatal exploratory bites, not the result of territorial defence.
Why Some Sharks Hang Around
Some species, like grey nurse sharks, lemon sharks and nurse sharks, return to the same locations regularly. These areas may offer ideal hunting grounds, mating opportunities, or protection from predators. But again, this behaviour is about resource use, not guarding territory.
A 2020 study tracking tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) using satellite tags showed extensive movement patterns over thousands of kilometres, supporting the idea that many sharks are nomadic rather than territorial.
What This Means for Ocean Users
Understanding that sharks aren’t typically territorial changes how we approach shark safety. Rather than avoiding “shark territory”, it’s important to also monitor environmental conditions, time of day, and behaviour patterns. Certain areas may have more sharks at specific times due to mating, birthing, or feeding activity, so understanding these patterns is key to reducing risk.
The Takeaway
Sharks are complex, often misunderstood animals. While they might seem aggressive or territorial, science shows they are more likely curious and mobile, with behaviours driven by food, reproduction, and habitat—not by defending turf. Their bites are often exploratory or mistaken identity, but that doesn’t make them any less dangerous, potentially catastrophic, and tragic. The more we understand them, the safer and more respectful our interactions with them can be.