A surfer has been injured in the fourth shark attack reported along the New South Wales coastline in less than 48 hours, raising safety concerns across Australia’s most populated coastal areas.
The latest incident happened on Tuesday morning on the Mid North Coast, near Point Plomer campground, around 450 kilometers north of Sydney.
This attack follows three other shark incidents in Sydney over the past two days. Due to the recent events, authorities have closed all beaches in Sydney’s northern regions until further notice.
Officials believe recent heavy rainfall may have played a major role in the sudden increase in shark activity. New South Wales Superintendent Joseph McNulty explained that rain can wash nutrients into the ocean, attracting fish closer to shore. Where fish gather, sharks often follow.
Steve Pearce, chief executive of Surf Life Saving NSW, said the injured surfer was extremely lucky to escape without serious harm. He strongly advised the public to avoid swimming or surfing near river mouths, especially when water visibility is poor.
According to Pearce, sharks often gather in these areas, and murky water makes it harder for them to distinguish prey. He warned that entering dirty water after rainfall significantly increases risk.
Experts say bull sharks are likely responsible. They can survive in both fresh and salt water and rank as the third deadliest shark species globally.
Environmental science expert Dr Daryl McPhee from Bond University described the recent series of attacks as highly unusual.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid waterways across New South Wales until conditions improve and water clarity returns.
