Latest news with #MichaelDrew
7NEWS
05-05-2025
- Science
- 7NEWS
Adelaide beachgoers brave danger to save stranded 2.7m great white shark
An investigation is expected to follow after a 2.6m great white shark washed ashore at an Adelaide beach on Monday morning. The 10-year-old male shark was still alive when it was discovered struggling to breathe in the shallow waters at Henley Beach South. Bystanders quickly stepped in to try to guide the animal back into deeper water, despite the potential danger posed by the large predator. Fisheries officers arrived shortly after, but despite the combined efforts of officials and the public, the shark died on the beach. The death marks the fourth shark fatality along Adelaide's coastline in recent weeks, raising concerns among scientists and authorities. Dr Michael Drew, a senior research scientist at the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), said a necropsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. 'We're yet to understand why it's died,' he told 7NEWS. 'Once we've dissected the animal and got the results back from pathology, we might have a clearer understanding.' While some have speculated the shark may be 'Brucey' — a well-known great white frequently spotted along the South Australian coast — understands this has not been confirmed. The shark's body has been removed from the beach and taken for examination.
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Yahoo
Shark sighting sparks urgent warning
Authorities have issued a fresh warning for Easter swimmers after multiple sharks, including a 4.5m great white, were spotted off popular beaches. One of the apex predators, nicknamed 'Bruce', was spotted off Aldinga Beach last weekend, prompting increased air and sea patrols across the Fleurieu Peninsula. The shark, which is not tagged or tracked, has since proven elusive, but authorities are urging caution as search efforts continue. Shark Watch SA said that drone surveillance was ongoing but the large shark may have since moved further south. In addition to 'Bruce', other shark sightings have occurred in nearby areas, including a bronze whaler at Maslin Beach and dead juvenile sharks washing up at Port Willunga and Seaford. Dr Michael Drew, a research scientist with the South Australian Research and Development Institute, told 9News that juvenile and subadult white sharks regularly visit the state's near-shore marine environments due to the availability of prey like small-bodied sharks, rays, and larger fish such as Australian salmon and snapper. 'These waters are important habitats for white sharks and they can appear at any time of year,' Dr Drew said. To protect the public, Surf Life Saving South Australia has boosted patrol efforts, deploying a dedicated jet rescue boat across southern beaches from 10am to 6pm daily. A second vessel will support northern metropolitan areas. Meanwhile, fixed-wing shark patrol flights will operate from 9am to 5.30pm and will sound a siren if a shark is sighted. Senior Sergeant Andrew Suter from SA Police's Water Operations Unit said authorities are taking no chances as families flock to the coast. 'We want the public to enjoy our beautiful beaches, but to do so safely,' he told 9 News. 'We encourage beachgoers to be vigilant and adhere to all rules and regulations when on the water.' Swimmers are being advised to stay out of murky water, avoid deep channels and river mouths, and steer clear of large schools of fish – a common food source for sharks. Those heading to the coast are also encouraged to use the BeachSafe app for up-to-date safety information. Inland and coastal patrols have also been stepped up across the state, with particular focus on the Aldinga region. Fishers are reminded that the use of blood, bone, meat, offal or animal skin (excluding fish, worms, or insects) as berley is prohibited in South Australian waters. Suspected breaches should be reported to the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Yahoo
4.5m predator 'loitering' along Aussie coastline prompts urgent warning
Easter holidaymakers have been warned to remain on the lookout for a great white shark seen cruising close to shore at a popular beach in the country's south earlier this week. Plane and drone searches are continuing after a 4.5m great white was spotted at Aldinga Beach, south of Adelaide, last weekend. South Australia Police advise a siren will sound if the shark is sighted and they are asking beachgoers to remain vigilant. Yahoo News reported on Monday that AFL fans visiting Adelaide for last weekend's Gather Round were shocked to see the huge shark when visiting the beach. 'We're keeping our eyes open for sure,' one witness said. That's the approach police want people to have while at Aldinga and nearby beaches over the busy Easter break. In conjunction with partner agencies, the SA Police Water Operations Unit will have increased water patrols over the Easter long weekend, paying particular attention to the Aldinga Beach area. 'We want the public to enjoy our beautiful beaches, but to do so safely,' Senior Sergeant Andrew Suter from South Australia Police's Water Operations Unit said on Thursday. 'While authorities are monitoring the loitering shark in the vicinity of Aldinga Beach, we encourage beachgoers to be vigilant and adhere to all rules and regulations when on the water.' Shark Watch SA said they would be continuing drone surveillance on Friday but after a week of searching it suspected the shark may have moved further south. Shark Watch also advised a sighting of a bronze whaler shark on Thursday at Maslin Beach, just north of Aldinga. Swimmers flea after great white spotted at Aldinga beach Fishermen stunned by behaviour of great white shark Why shark was bitten in half at popular Aussie beach Scientist Dr Michael Drew with the South Australian Research and Development Institute said white sharks can visit the region's beaches at any time of year and their behaviour can be unpredictable. 'The near-shore coastal marine environment is an important habitat for juvenile and sub-adult (up to 4m) white sharks as it provides access to preferred prey species, such as small-bodied sharks, rays, and larger fish species like Australian salmon and snapper,' he said. Surf lifesavers will have one jet rescue boat dedicated to patrolling Adelaide's southern beaches over the long weekend. A second jet boat will be available for the northern beaches. These patrols will take place between 10am and 6pm each day. Swimmers should not enter murky waters, deep channels and areas next to river mouths Avoid swimming near food sources like large schools of fish Use the Beachsafe App to check for safety information on the beach you are visiting. Fishers are reminded that using blood, bone, meat, offal or animal skin (other than a fish, worm or insect) is prohibited in South Australian waters. Offences can be reported to the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline on 1800 065 522. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
