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ABC News
05-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
Shark washes up on Adelaide beach amid concern over SA marine life
A group has attempted to rescue a shark that washed up on Henley Beach South Monday morning, amid growing concerns about a number of incidents involving South Australian marine wildlife. The white shark, about three metres in length, was spotted by locals stranded on the sand at Henley Beach sometime about 10am on Monday morning. The group pushed the shark back out to sea, but said it was unlikely to have survived. Later this morning, a shark with similar characteristics washed up dead at Henley Beach South, with those involved in the first rescue attempt saying it was "very likely" it was the same shark. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) has now removed the shark from the beach. It follows a Onlookers near a shark which washed up at Henley Beach. ( Supplied: Curtis Sharp ) A spokesperson for PIRSA said it was investigating the death of the male shark "with samples collected for further analysis". "The cause of death is still under investigation and any links to this incident and other recent shark mortalities at other locations on the South Australian coast are unable to be determined at this stage," a PIRSA spokesperson said. "Researchers from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) have conducted necropsies of two white sharks found by members of the public at Port Willunga and Port Moorowie last month, and while the sharks were extensively analysed, unfortunately due to the age of the biological samples available a definitive cause of death was unable to be determined." The dead shark that washed up on Henley Beach South on the morning of May 5, 2025. ( Supplied ) Daniel Spendlove was involved in the first rescue attempt. He said he was riding his BMX along the boardwalk when he spotted a group of people around the animal splashing water through its gills. "I went down there, took my shoes and socks off, and tried to manoeuvre this shark with other people's help as well [and] move it out to a bit more of a deeper water," he said. Mr Spendlove said the shark was "very bogged" in the sand and "bloody heavy", but they managed to push it out to waist-deep water. "It wasn't easy, but we got around a bit deeper, and then she sort of stayed there for a little bit," he said. Daniel Spendlove says the shark turned upside down and floated after it was pushed into the water. ( ABC News ) "She was in deep enough water to get enough water through her gills and all of that, but she didn't really swim away. "She started to turn upside down and floating on her back." Concerns over shark behaviour Mr Spendlove, a self-employed carpenter from West Lakes, said he regularly cycled between West Lakes and Glenelg and had "never seen anything like that before". "I've heard that a few others [sharks] have been washed up on the beach, but I haven't seen them," he said. " There's something happening to bring in more and more sharks, whatever that is I don't know, but there's definitely more and more sharks getting sighted along our coastline. " Fulham Gardens resident Marie Liberatore was also on scene early this morning to push the shark out to sea. Like Mr Spendlove, she said she had "never seen anything like this" despite walking along Henley Beach almost every day. "I did see a stingray — a big ray — rescued the other night at Henley Jetty," she said. "But there's just been a lot sea life washing up … when I walk across you just see random stuff pop up on shore. Authorities removing the shark in a trailer after it washed up at Henley Beach South. ( ABC News ) " I think definitely something's wrong with our oceans because the sharks … there's a lot coming in close to shore and that's a bit unusual for them … unless they're coming out for a food source or they're not well. " The Henley Beach shark incident comes only a week after That shark, estimated to be around two-and-a-half to three-metres long, got stuck on a sandbar on a beach off Ardrossan, before three men slowly pushed it back out to deeper waters. Ardrossan resident Brett helped saved a shark from shallow waters last week. ( Chivonne Anderson ) The PIRSA spokesperson urged members of the public to report shark sightings. "The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) would like to remind the public that if a shark is spotted within 500 metres of shore or presents an immediate threat to humans to contact SA Police on 131 444," the spokesperson said. "Where sharks are observed washed ashore or dying in shallow water, please report the observations via the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522. "Sharks sighted more than 500 metres from shore and greater than three metres in length can also be reported via the 24-hour Fishwatch Hotline on 1800 065 522 or via the shark sighting report form." 'Never seen this many beachings' Shark Watch SA managing director Anton Covino said in the 11 years he had been running the organisation he had "never seen this many beachings occurring in South Australian waters". "There's plenty of theories about, it's just a matter of trying to determine what exactly the cause of death is with a lot these sharks," he said. " It's obviously very unprecedented times that we're experiencing at the moment, it can be a bit concerning. " Mr Covino said the beachings suggested the marine ecosystem "could be damaged on way or another". Shark Watch SA managing director Anton Covino says he has "never seen this many beachings occurring in South Australian waters". ( ABC News ) "A sign of a healthy ocean is to have a healthy presence or marine ecosystem with sharks inside of it," he said.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mysterious foam at Aussie beach sickens surfers as 'extremely rare' creatures wash up
A popular surf beach in the country's south has been declared off-limits to the public as authorities investigate a mysterious, murky brown foam that's blanketed the shoreline, resulting in numerous marine animals washing up dead. Environmental authorities in South Australia have urged the public to avoid contact with the sludge-coloured foam at Waitpinga Beach, around 15 kilometres south-west of Victor Harbor in the state's southeast, as they work to determine the cause. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) confirmed it had launched an inquiry into the seemingly noxious substance, which has seen dead fish, octopus and a whole host of other sea creatures, including rare leafy sea dragons, dot the shoreline. Local man Anthony Rowland regularly visits the spot. He was surfing with a group of friends on Saturday morning when they suddenly erupted in a coughing fit, which he said lasted the entire day. He also reported having sore eyes and a sore throat after being exposed to the foam. He shared multiple photos on social media showing the incredible extent of the sludge as well as dead marine life that had been affected. Rowland said the discovery of multiple dead leafy sea dragons was the "most concerning" element for him. "We found a handful [of them], they're extremely rare to see washed up," he told 7NEWS. According to PIRSA, fish kill events can occur due to a variety of factors, including environmental changes like temperature fluctuations, rainfall or drought, water quality issues such as salinity or oxygen depletion, as well as disease or pollution. Tourist beach to close as coast faces 'significant challenge' Public plea after disturbing discoveries on Aussie beaches Multiple 'distressing' discoveries at popular beaches The foam has also been observed at nearby Parsons Beach, as well as Kings Beach and Petrel Cove. On social media, dozens responding to Rowland's post reported also feeling unwell after being in the ocean. "Got unwell from surfing at Middleton yesterday as well," a woman said. "My partner and I were there on Friday afternoon ... approaching the car park there was a noticeable chemical-like smell," another added. "Immediately I began coughing and felt a burning nostril sensation the whole time. Short of breath." In Australia, sea foam has been known to sometimes cause coughing and breathing difficulties, particularly when it contains high concentrations of organic material, harmful algal bloom or pollutants. When strong winds and wave action churn up decaying algae and other organic matter, the resulting foam can release aerosols containing irritants. In some cases, exposure has been linked to respiratory issues, especially for those with asthma or other pre-existing lung conditions. Harmful toxins can be released into the air, potentially leading to throat irritation, coughing, and breathing difficulties. SA's Environmental Protection Agency told 7News it appears a harmful algae bloom is behind the toxic foam, which most likely occurred as a result of a marine heatwave — higher water temperatures combined with low winds and small swells. Yahoo News Australia has sought comment from the EPA. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
