Bull sharks are expected to be more active in NSW open waters with swimmers urged to remain wary.
A government alert was published following recent heavy rain that could help increase bull shark activity in Sydney Harbour, rivers and along the coast.
Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty says greater caution is required, especially heading into this weekend.
“If your local beach is closed due to the weather, shark sightings, or poor water quality, we ask beach goers, swimmers and surfers, not to enter the water for their own safety,” she says.
“If you’re on the coastline, by the harbour or on waterways, it’s important to understand how the environment can influence shark behaviour and to then take the necessary steps to reduce your risk of a shark interaction.”
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BAITFISH AND SHARKS
The government says freshwater and nutrient rich run‑off from heavy rain can reduce water visibility, affect water quality and attract baitfish.
The government says beaches around Sydney, particularly the Northern Beaches, are still seeing large bait fish activity which can lead to greater shark activity.
A SharkSmart app is available which provides updates about shark sightings and risk mitigation measures; the government says the app has been downloaded more than 430,000 times, including 68,000 this January and February.
The state government recently increased funding for its Shark Mitigation Program by $6.7 million to more than $30m for this summer.
The funding has boosted aerial drone coverage over more beaches and more research and tagging of sharks.
The government says the drones have ‘significantly’ strengthened beach safety via earlier shark detection, faster species verification and very local responses by flying at low altitude with high-resolution vision.
NSW also operates 37 Tagged Shark Listening Stations for real-time detection and 305 SMART Drumlines deployed daily along the NSW coast from Tweed to Bega.
SAFETY TIPS
Before getting back in the water, swimmers and surfers are reminded to:
avoid swimming or surfing in murky or dirty waters;
take extra care within 1km of rivers, river mouths or harbours, especially after rain or flooding;
avoid getting in the water during dawn and dusk;
be cautious if you see baitfish, diving birds or dolphins;
avoid areas where there is recreational or commercial fishing;
swim between the red and yellow flags;
buddy up when swimming, surfing or diving;
download the SharkSmart app.
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