Fourhark attacks occurred in 48 hours on the beaches of East Australia. Three attacks occurred on a stretch of coast of 15 kilometres, which alarmed both locals as well as international observers.
A 12-year-old suffered serious injuries on January 18 after he was bitten by a shark while swimming in Sydney Harbour. On the following day, a 12-year-old boy was bitten by a shark while swimming in Sydney Harbour. On January 20, a man suffered a chest injury from a bite by a shark about 300 km up the coast.
Chris Pepin Neff, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the University of Sydney said: “This was the most close series of shark attacks in terms of both location and time that I have seen in my career of 20 years.”
A sudden spate of shark attacks caused multiple closures on beaches and a call for shark culling. Experts stress, however, that these measures don’t address the root cause of shark encounters.
What is the current reason for shark attacks?
Bull sharks are attracted to warm brackish waters, like those found in river mouths or estuaries. Rebecca Olive, senior researcher at RMIT, says that the flooding of freshwater from heavy rainfall created perfect conditions for bull sharks. Runoff carried nutrients, including sewage and fertilizers into the ocean. This attracted baitfish and brought sharks to shore.
Pepin-Neff stated that “this combination of low salinity and abundance prey caused a biodiversity explosion near the shore.”
Shark Attacks in Australia on the Rise
In recent years, official records have shown a steady increase in incidents of shark bites. From 8-10 each year in 1990s up to 25 per annum in more recent times. This increase is not due to more aggressive sharks, say experts. It is more likely due to better reporting and a larger coastal population.
The number of shark encounters is still low, as are the fatalities. Drones, social media, and media coverage may increase the perception of attacks.
Why shark culls are not the answer Experts warn, however, that killing sharks will not stop further incidents if the environment attractants are still present. Pepin-Neff stated that “it doesn’t make anybody in the water any safer.”
The focus should instead be on safety awareness and practical measures. Install shark enclosures and take a cautious approach to the ocean. Olive explained that the ocean was wild and sharks were not always dangerous.
Keep Safe at the Beach
Understanding the factors that attract sharks to shore is key in minimizing risk. Pepin-Neff, as well as Olive, suggest that education and vigilance are more important than culling. As Australians treat the bush, we should also treat beaches as wild.
