Are shark attacks really on the rise?Experts clarify the truth behind growing fears of increased shark incidents.5 min read

7NEWS

27 Mar

Shark attacks have become a significant concern in Australia, with recent tragic events fuelling public anxiety.The tragic death of 17-year-old Charlize Zmuda at Woorim Beach on Bribie Island marked ...

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Credit: 7NEWS/Getty ImagesShark behaviour and seasonal changesSharks’ behaviour is also heavily influenced by the seasons, which affects when and where they are most likely to be found, McPhee explains.“We expect to see more white sharks inshore during the cooler months in response to the humpback whale migration and specifically the presence of any whale carcasses,” he said.During the summer, however, it’s smaller prey like baitfish that bring sharks closer to the shore.“During summer on the Sunshine Coast we saw large schools of baitfish such as pilchards which formed large bait balls that were fed upon by various species of sharks,” McPhee said.This seasonal change explains why shark sightings tend to peak during these months, especially near popular beaches, according to McPhee.Shark sightings have increased due to better technology to detect sharks and a growing number of people participating in water activities, experts say. Credit: Getty ImagesHuman activity and shark encountersExperts believe that the increase in human activity during peak tourist seasons contributes to a rise in reported shark sightings and, in some cases, more attacks.With the rise in swimming, surfing, and other recreational sports, sharks may come into contact with people more often simply due to the number of people in the water, McPhee confirms.“With the rise in shark-related incidents and more people engaging in water-based activities, the chance of an unprovoked shark bite increases.”“Sharks are not actively seeking out humans as prey’,” Dr. Barry Bruce, Senior Research Scientist at the CSIRO, said.“Most shark bites are a case of mistaken identity where a shark is investigating something unfamiliar in the water.”Shark detection and technologyTechnological advancements also play a significant role in the apparent increase in shark sightings and encounters.Drones, aerial surveillance, and GPS tracking have all made it easier to detect sharks in real-time.“The rise in shark-related incidents can also be attributed to better technology, such as drones and aerial surveillance, which has allowed us to spot sharks more easily,” McPhee said.While these technologies help improve safety by providing quicker alerts, they also mean that more sharks are spotted and reported than in the past, which can contribute to the public perception that shark activity is on the rise.People should not interfere with shark control devices, including using them as training buoys, Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) warned.Shark deterrents such as drumlines, nets and aerial surveillance are in place along the Queensland coastline (left), like on the popular Main Beach in Noosa (right). Credit: DAFNets, barriers and deterrentsIn response to rising fears, various shark mitigation strategies have been employed, with mixed results.Shark nets, for example, are commonly used along Australia’s popular beaches to reduce the risk of shark encounters.However, these nets are controversial.As McPhee points out, “Shark nets remain a highly contentious issue, but with the majority of water users wanting them gone because of their environmental impact.”The problem with shark nets is that they don’t discriminate — they trap not only sharks but other marine creatures like turtles and dolphins, leading to concerns about their long-term ecological effects.On the other hand, personal deterrents, such as electric devices, are gaining popularity.“Commercially available electric deterrents have been shown to significantly reduce the chance of a bite occurring in several studies,” McPhee said.These devices work by creating an electrical field around the user, which is believed to repel sharks.“Other approaches such as those based on magnets have been found to be largely ineffective.“New bite-resistant wetsuit materials show substantial promise in terms of reducing the consequence of a bite should it occur.”Despite their growing use, McPhee cautions that “unlike other safety devices such as seatbelts or lifejackets, there is no Australian standard that they are required to meet to give consumers confidence that they are effective.”Why sharks are importantExperts have identified that sharks play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of Australia’s marine ecosystems:Top predators: As highlighted by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), sharks, as apex predators, regulate the populations of other marine species, ensuring a balanced food chain. This regulation helps maintain the diversity and stability of marine life.Ecosystem health: Marine Conservation Australia emphasises that sharks are essential in preserving biodiversity and the overall functionality of marine environments. By controlling the numbers of prey species, sharks help maintain coral reefs and other important marine habitats.Economic value: According to a study by AIMS, shark diving tourism is a growing industry estimated to be worth more than $25.5 million annually to Australia’s regional economy. This tourism significantly contributes to the economic vitality of coastal communities, highlighting the importance of shark conservation.As the apex predator of the ocean, the shark plays its vital role in marine ecosystems. Credit: Getty ImagesSafety advice for swimmers and surfersGiven the continued risk of shark encounters, McPhee offers several important tips for swimmers and surfers to reduce the likelihood of being bitten:Avoid murky waters and waters where there is a food source such as schools of baitfish.Be cautious around river mouths, especially after rainfall.Bull sharks are more active along beaches in the afternoon and evening and into the night and with the recent rain there is a heightened risk of a bite occurring.Swim between the flags. These areas are monitored by lifeguards, providing an added layer of safety.“If lifesavers spot a shark, they will sound a siren or ring a bell, put up the red flag and tell you to leave the water immediately,” QLS notes.Be aware of carcasses. For example, when whale carcasses decompose and attract scavengers, they can increase shark activity in the area. “The recent exposure of a buried whale carcass on the Tweed Coast highlights that coastal councils need policies for dealing effectively with such carcasses as they create a heightened risk of a bite occurring at their local beaches,” McPhee explained.Experts highlight that understanding the actual risk is essential to addressing concerns without inducing undue fear.“The risk in absolute terms remains low,” McPhee assured.Shark nets to be removed from 51 popular beaches3 min readCyclone Alfred’s little survivors: 99 hatchlings returned to sea1 min read","kind":"highlight","is_publish_news":true,"is_publish_highlight":false,"is_publish_live":false,"is_publish_wemedia":null,"editions":null,"column":"","sentiment":"0","news_tag":"","news_rank":0,"symbols":[],"gpt_button":1}}}