An unexpected international scavenger hunt was set off when a tracking device became detached from a four-meter female shark, affectionately known as Davenport, near Rainbow Beach.

This detachment event highlights the ongoing efforts of scientists who routinely collect DNA samples and attach tags to sharks to monitor their movements and behaviors. Although these tags are crucial for gathering data, they are not immune to the challenges posed by the ocean environment.

Shark scientist Riley Elliot noted that while this detachment is a “normal process,” it is the least invasive method for the sharks. However, the tags are costly, and retrieving them for reuse is always the goal.

The Great White app was used to track the tag’s journey. Elliot described the suspenseful wait as the tag drifted past Fraser Island and along various coastlines, all the while hoping that ocean currents would eventually bring it ashore for recovery.

The tag’s journey was tracked using the Great White app.

“The tag was floating down past Fraser Island past a bunch of coastline, and you’re just waiting for a current to push it into shore,” Elliot said, describing the anxious wait for the device to make landfall.

The tag eventually washed ashore at Mermaid Beach, prompting a social media appeal for its recovery.

The appeal proved remarkably successful.

“An ex-girlfriend from high school texted me and said, I’m going down the beach for my kid’s nippers and they found it on the beach by the showers, ” Elliot said, illustrating the unexpected role of social connections in the recovery.

“Ironically, my best friend is coming up for my birthday next weekend and they gave it to him, and he’s flying it back.”

Attention has now turned to another tag, this one detached from a great white shark nicknamed Deep Blue, which is in waters off Bundaberg.

There is hope that this tag will also be recovered.

“I’m hoping because that’s where Davenport’s started, that this one too might end up on a populist beach and someone else might find it,” Elliot said.

The recovery of these tags is crucial for the continuation of the shark tracking program.