Swimmers cautioned as recent rainfall poses bull shark risk

WATER-USERS are being urged to take extra care along the NSW coast after recent periods of rainfall have created murky conditions that are linked to increased bull-shark activity.

Periods following heavy rainfall often see increased bull shark activity, as predators are drawn toward prey washed from estuaries and rivers into coastal waters.

The low visibility and murky water quality that follow these weather events also improves hunting conditions for sharks.

“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,” Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said.

In the last fortnight, Surf Life Saving NSW have observed 90 sharks across the Tweed, Byron and Ballina Coasts via drone surveillance that is provided by the Australian UAV Service.

As a result of these observations, 24 countermeasures were reportedly implemented, which saw lifeguards closing beaches and directly alerting water-users to shark sightings via the drone’s onboard microphone.

Authorities say they cannot yet confirm what proportion of these sightings were bull sharks, with footage being subject to verification.

Operating at low altitude with high-resolution vision, drones allow lifesavers to issue immediate warnings to water-users in the event of a shark-sighting.

Drone surveillance is being rolled out across additional NSW beaches after the Minns Government increased funding for the state’s Shark Mitigation Program, lifting the total investment to more than $30 million this summer.

This funding increase has seen a recent uplift in shark-surveillance along the northern coastlines of the state, with drones currently flying every day, Surf Life Saving NSW authorities say.

Beyond expanding drone surveillance, the funding will also boost shark research and tagging efforts to deepen understanding of shark populations and their movements along the coastline.

Beachgoers are advised to steer clear of areas within one kilometre of river mouths after periods of heavy rainfall, buddy up when swimming, avoid areas of fishing activity, and closely follow local safety advice from Surf Life Saving NSW before entering the water.

The community is also being encouraged to download the SharkSmart app, which has recorded more than 60,000 downloads so far this year and provides up-to-date information on shark sightings and risk mitigation measures along the NSW coast.