CANBERRA — In a groundbreaking development that confirms what literally everyone else on Earth had already surmised, Australia has finally been added to a global database documenting critical habitats for sharks, rays, and chimeras. The announcement, made by the Global Marine Predator Registry (GMPR) this week, follows what sources describe as 'an extensive and rigorous review process' that apparently involved looking at a map and asking if anyone had ever seen a shark near the continent.

'We understand this might seem like old news to some, particularly those who live in Australia or have ever watched a nature documentary,' stated Dr. Eleanor Vance, lead archivist for the GMPR, in a press release that carefully avoided eye contact. 'However, due to our extremely thorough verification protocols, which include cross-referencing historical records, indigenous knowledge, and at least three separate Google searches, we can now confidently confirm that, yes, Australia does indeed feature marine life capable of biting you.'

The inclusion comes after years of research by Charles Darwin University (CDU), whose scientists reportedly spent countless hours observing the ocean around Australia and repeatedly confirming the presence of large, toothy fish. 'It was a challenging project,' admitted Professor Mark Jensen of CDU, 'especially when we had to explain to grant committees why we needed funding to prove that the Great Barrier Reef wasn't just a very elaborate rock formation.'

Experts believe this monumental administrative update will pave the way for other obvious geographical truths to be officially recognized, with Antarctica reportedly next in line for 'cold place with penguins' status by 2047.