Abstract DNA evidence is routinely used to identify individual predators responsible for attacks on people and livestock in terrestrial settings. However, the use of transfer DNA techniques in aquatic environments20 for similar purposes is a recent development. To date, DNA barcoding has been used successfully to identify shark species depredating fish catches and biting surfboards and neoprene surfaces. In this study we demonstrate the successful DNA barcoding and fingerprinting of individual sharks from transfer DNA collected directly from the wounds of two shark bite victims. The successful use of DNA techniques to identify both species and specific individuals responsible for shark bites opens the door to selective removal of these individuals as an innovative shark bite risk management strategy. This selective approach would be a more effective, eco-responsible, cost-effective and ethical solution for vulnerable taxa than ongoing non-selective culling campaigns.