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The Advertiser
5 days ago
- General
- The Advertiser
Jaw-dropping video of shark snacking at Lake Macquarie emerges as anglers suspect numbers surge
JAW-DROPPING footage of a hammerhead shark biting bait clean off a line has emerged as anglers suspect numbers have surged at Lake Macquarie. The footage, captured and shared by Hunter Shark Jaw Restoration, shows the hammerhead circling the bait before taking a bite and dragging it down to the murky depths of the lake. NSW Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW recreational fishing safety officer Malcolm Poole said he believed shark numbers had grown in the lake, which was a known nursery for young hammerheads. He not only thinks that the number of sharks is growing, but so is 'shark depredation' or 'shark bite-offs', where a shark eats or damages a fish that has been caught before it can be landed. The phenomenon, which Mr Poole says the fishing fraternity refers to as the "grey-suited tax man", impacts both recreational and commercial fishers. "Who wouldn't want a free feed?" he said. "The grey-suited tax man is certainly getting his fair share out there." Mr Poole said he suspected shark numbers had grown as a result of the lake becoming a net-free area and artificial warming due to power stations at its southern end. "Today, Lake Macquarie is known to be a nursery for young hammerheads," he said. "It's always been known for many, many years, and being the biggest lake in the southern hemisphere, there's bound to be a number of other secrets it holds too." The NSW Shark Management Program does not monitor sharks in Lake Macquarie as shark mitigation in harbours, rivers and estuaries is the responsibility of the landowner, for example, councils, private entities and property owners. A Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development spokeswoman said there was no scientific evidence to suggest an increase in shark numbers in the area. "The SharkSmart app has recently reported catches of white sharks along ocean beaches within the Lake Macquarie LGA and in other parts of the NSW coast, consistent with the annual movement patterns for white sharks on our coast, as demonstrated by the tagging program," she said. "Lake Macquarie is a coastal saltwater lagoon and, as such, many sharks may be present in these waters, including white, bull and tiger sharks, which are the three sharks that are most frequently involved in serious shark bites in NSW and are the focus of the NSW government's tagging and tracking and shark mitigation programs. "Other species may include hammerheads, wobbegongs, Port Jacksons, small whalers and grey nurse sharks." Mr Poole said anecdotally, shark sightings have increased over the years, particularly in shallow waters, and the occasional great white shark will mosey down the Swansea Channel. "They're following food webs, such as the Australian salmon that come in from the ocean into the lake," he said. Mr Poole said hammerheads were generally foraging fish, and there were rules and regulations around the size, number and types of sharks anglers were allowed to catch. "There are some dedicated shark fishers out there, not so much in the estuary systems," he said. "We do find some young teenagers test their testosterone out on sharks, heading down to the local public wharf and throwing a 150-pound string and half a mullet to try to pick up a shark and land it. "Sharks are one of those interesting animals that are very powerful, and if you can stay on the wharf, then good luck. "My suggestions to those young kids is grab a seat belt or a piece of rope to tie yourself down if you want to try to tackle a shark in Lake Macquarie, and be prepared to hang it out there for several hours while you play tug of war between the shark and the angler." JAW-DROPPING footage of a hammerhead shark biting bait clean off a line has emerged as anglers suspect numbers have surged at Lake Macquarie. The footage, captured and shared by Hunter Shark Jaw Restoration, shows the hammerhead circling the bait before taking a bite and dragging it down to the murky depths of the lake. NSW Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW recreational fishing safety officer Malcolm Poole said he believed shark numbers had grown in the lake, which was a known nursery for young hammerheads. He not only thinks that the number of sharks is growing, but so is 'shark depredation' or 'shark bite-offs', where a shark eats or damages a fish that has been caught before it can be landed. The phenomenon, which Mr Poole says the fishing fraternity refers to as the "grey-suited tax man", impacts both recreational and commercial fishers. "Who wouldn't want a free feed?" he said. "The grey-suited tax man is certainly getting his fair share out there." Mr Poole said he suspected shark numbers had grown as a result of the lake becoming a net-free area and artificial warming due to power stations at its southern end. "Today, Lake Macquarie is known to be a nursery for young hammerheads," he said. "It's always been known for many, many years, and being the biggest lake in the southern hemisphere, there's bound to be a number of other secrets it holds too." The NSW Shark Management Program does not monitor sharks in Lake Macquarie as shark mitigation in harbours, rivers and estuaries is the responsibility of the landowner, for example, councils, private entities and property owners. A Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development spokeswoman said there was no scientific evidence to suggest an increase in shark numbers in the area. "The SharkSmart app has recently reported catches of white sharks along ocean beaches within the Lake Macquarie LGA and in other parts of the NSW coast, consistent with the annual movement patterns for white sharks on our coast, as demonstrated by the tagging program," she said. "Lake Macquarie is a coastal saltwater lagoon and, as such, many sharks may be present in these waters, including white, bull and tiger sharks, which are the three sharks that are most frequently involved in serious shark bites in NSW and are the focus of the NSW government's tagging and tracking and shark mitigation programs. "Other species may include hammerheads, wobbegongs, Port Jacksons, small whalers and grey nurse sharks." Mr Poole said anecdotally, shark sightings have increased over the years, particularly in shallow waters, and the occasional great white shark will mosey down the Swansea Channel. "They're following food webs, such as the Australian salmon that come in from the ocean into the lake," he said. Mr Poole said hammerheads were generally foraging fish, and there were rules and regulations around the size, number and types of sharks anglers were allowed to catch. "There are some dedicated shark fishers out there, not so much in the estuary systems," he said. "We do find some young teenagers test their testosterone out on sharks, heading down to the local public wharf and throwing a 150-pound string and half a mullet to try to pick up a shark and land it. "Sharks are one of those interesting animals that are very powerful, and if you can stay on the wharf, then good luck. "My suggestions to those young kids is grab a seat belt or a piece of rope to tie yourself down if you want to try to tackle a shark in Lake Macquarie, and be prepared to hang it out there for several hours while you play tug of war between the shark and the angler." JAW-DROPPING footage of a hammerhead shark biting bait clean off a line has emerged as anglers suspect numbers have surged at Lake Macquarie. The footage, captured and shared by Hunter Shark Jaw Restoration, shows the hammerhead circling the bait before taking a bite and dragging it down to the murky depths of the lake. NSW Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW recreational fishing safety officer Malcolm Poole said he believed shark numbers had grown in the lake, which was a known nursery for young hammerheads. He not only thinks that the number of sharks is growing, but so is 'shark depredation' or 'shark bite-offs', where a shark eats or damages a fish that has been caught before it can be landed. The phenomenon, which Mr Poole says the fishing fraternity refers to as the "grey-suited tax man", impacts both recreational and commercial fishers. "Who wouldn't want a free feed?" he said. "The grey-suited tax man is certainly getting his fair share out there." Mr Poole said he suspected shark numbers had grown as a result of the lake becoming a net-free area and artificial warming due to power stations at its southern end. "Today, Lake Macquarie is known to be a nursery for young hammerheads," he said. "It's always been known for many, many years, and being the biggest lake in the southern hemisphere, there's bound to be a number of other secrets it holds too." The NSW Shark Management Program does not monitor sharks in Lake Macquarie as shark mitigation in harbours, rivers and estuaries is the responsibility of the landowner, for example, councils, private entities and property owners. A Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development spokeswoman said there was no scientific evidence to suggest an increase in shark numbers in the area. "The SharkSmart app has recently reported catches of white sharks along ocean beaches within the Lake Macquarie LGA and in other parts of the NSW coast, consistent with the annual movement patterns for white sharks on our coast, as demonstrated by the tagging program," she said. "Lake Macquarie is a coastal saltwater lagoon and, as such, many sharks may be present in these waters, including white, bull and tiger sharks, which are the three sharks that are most frequently involved in serious shark bites in NSW and are the focus of the NSW government's tagging and tracking and shark mitigation programs. "Other species may include hammerheads, wobbegongs, Port Jacksons, small whalers and grey nurse sharks." Mr Poole said anecdotally, shark sightings have increased over the years, particularly in shallow waters, and the occasional great white shark will mosey down the Swansea Channel. "They're following food webs, such as the Australian salmon that come in from the ocean into the lake," he said. Mr Poole said hammerheads were generally foraging fish, and there were rules and regulations around the size, number and types of sharks anglers were allowed to catch. "There are some dedicated shark fishers out there, not so much in the estuary systems," he said. "We do find some young teenagers test their testosterone out on sharks, heading down to the local public wharf and throwing a 150-pound string and half a mullet to try to pick up a shark and land it. "Sharks are one of those interesting animals that are very powerful, and if you can stay on the wharf, then good luck. "My suggestions to those young kids is grab a seat belt or a piece of rope to tie yourself down if you want to try to tackle a shark in Lake Macquarie, and be prepared to hang it out there for several hours while you play tug of war between the shark and the angler." JAW-DROPPING footage of a hammerhead shark biting bait clean off a line has emerged as anglers suspect numbers have surged at Lake Macquarie. The footage, captured and shared by Hunter Shark Jaw Restoration, shows the hammerhead circling the bait before taking a bite and dragging it down to the murky depths of the lake. NSW Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW recreational fishing safety officer Malcolm Poole said he believed shark numbers had grown in the lake, which was a known nursery for young hammerheads. He not only thinks that the number of sharks is growing, but so is 'shark depredation' or 'shark bite-offs', where a shark eats or damages a fish that has been caught before it can be landed. The phenomenon, which Mr Poole says the fishing fraternity refers to as the "grey-suited tax man", impacts both recreational and commercial fishers. "Who wouldn't want a free feed?" he said. "The grey-suited tax man is certainly getting his fair share out there." Mr Poole said he suspected shark numbers had grown as a result of the lake becoming a net-free area and artificial warming due to power stations at its southern end. "Today, Lake Macquarie is known to be a nursery for young hammerheads," he said. "It's always been known for many, many years, and being the biggest lake in the southern hemisphere, there's bound to be a number of other secrets it holds too." The NSW Shark Management Program does not monitor sharks in Lake Macquarie as shark mitigation in harbours, rivers and estuaries is the responsibility of the landowner, for example, councils, private entities and property owners. A Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development spokeswoman said there was no scientific evidence to suggest an increase in shark numbers in the area. "The SharkSmart app has recently reported catches of white sharks along ocean beaches within the Lake Macquarie LGA and in other parts of the NSW coast, consistent with the annual movement patterns for white sharks on our coast, as demonstrated by the tagging program," she said. "Lake Macquarie is a coastal saltwater lagoon and, as such, many sharks may be present in these waters, including white, bull and tiger sharks, which are the three sharks that are most frequently involved in serious shark bites in NSW and are the focus of the NSW government's tagging and tracking and shark mitigation programs. "Other species may include hammerheads, wobbegongs, Port Jacksons, small whalers and grey nurse sharks." Mr Poole said anecdotally, shark sightings have increased over the years, particularly in shallow waters, and the occasional great white shark will mosey down the Swansea Channel. "They're following food webs, such as the Australian salmon that come in from the ocean into the lake," he said. Mr Poole said hammerheads were generally foraging fish, and there were rules and regulations around the size, number and types of sharks anglers were allowed to catch. "There are some dedicated shark fishers out there, not so much in the estuary systems," he said. "We do find some young teenagers test their testosterone out on sharks, heading down to the local public wharf and throwing a 150-pound string and half a mullet to try to pick up a shark and land it. "Sharks are one of those interesting animals that are very powerful, and if you can stay on the wharf, then good luck. "My suggestions to those young kids is grab a seat belt or a piece of rope to tie yourself down if you want to try to tackle a shark in Lake Macquarie, and be prepared to hang it out there for several hours while you play tug of war between the shark and the angler."
The Citizen
02-08-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
Keeping sharks and people safe: Rethinking bather safety in KZN
KZN currently uses 13km of shark nets and 177 drumlines across 37 beaches to enhance bather safety. These measures are designed to catch specific shark species involved in attacks. However, they also result in the unfortunate death of around 400 non-target marine animals, including dolphins and turtles, each year. This significant bycatch highlights the urgent need for more sustainable solutions. An innovative exhibition, Shark Smart: How Do We Keep Sharks & People Safe?, recently launched at uShaka Marine World in Durban. This exhibition, the first phase of a larger awareness campaign, focuses on non-lethal alternatives for shark risk mitigation. It aims to educate the public and encourage a new approach to shark and bather safety. Exploring non-lethal shark deterrent technologies Guests at the exhibition launch were immersed in the history and ecological impact of traditional shark nets and drumlines in KZN. Crucially, the exhibition showcases cutting-edge shark deterrent technologies and solutions being developed globally and locally. These include: Sonar systems Artificial intelligence (AI) software for shark detection Shark Shield personal deterrents Multispectral drones for ocean surveillance SharkSafe Barrier technology The exhibition also emphasises personal bather responsibility when entering the ocean, recognising it as the sharks' natural habitat. Collaborative efforts for shark conservation and education Lauren van Nijkerk, Wildtrust's Director of Campaigns, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the exhibition, ensuring all stakeholders were involved in shaping its message. The exhibition presents both existing and alternative shark risk mitigation methods in engaging and interactive ways, with materials available in both English and isiZulu to ensure broad accessibility. Maryke Musson, executive manager: conservation education and communications at the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), emphasised the aquarium's unique opportunity to educate visitors about the wonders of the ocean and the importance of marine conservation. The ecological cost of traditional shark control methods Despite common misconceptions, the 13km of shark nets and 177 drumlines in KZN are not physical barriers preventing sharks from reaching swimmers. These nets, set 300-500m offshore with gaps, are designed to catch and kill specific shark species deemed a risk. Sharks can and do swim under, around and between them. Only three shark species are primarily associated with unprovoked incidents in South Africa: The Zambezi (bull) shark, white shark and tiger shark. These are the main targets of the current 'bather safety gear'. However, the environmental cost is substantial, with over 400 non-target marine animals, including dolphins, rays, turtles and critically endangered sharks, killed as bycatch in these nets annually. Drumlines, introduced in 2005, aim to be a more targeted form of fishing to reduce bycatch, using baited hooks to specifically target large sharks. South Africa's legacy and future in shark and ray conservation South Africa holds a significant place in shark conservation, being the first country to legally protect the white shark in 1991. Chondrichthyans, which include over 1 250 species of sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras, are ancient and vital to marine ecosystem health. However, over one-third of all shark and ray species globally are threatened with extinction due to overfishing and habitat loss. These species are particularly vulnerable due to their slow growth, late maturation and low reproductive rates. Dr Jennifer Olbers, Wildtrust's senior scientist, emphasised South Africa's continued opportunity and responsibility to lead in shark and ray conservation, especially given that some species, like the largetooth and green sawfish, are already locally extinct. Paving the way for coexistence: The future of ocean safety This exhibition marks the beginning of an awareness campaign dedicated to redefining bather safety through education, innovation and coexistence with marine life, rather than lethal methods. The future of ocean safety must consider both people and the planet. The Shark Smart exhibition is open to the public at the uShaka Marine World Aquarium, a collaborative effort by Wildtrust, Shark Conservation Fund, SAAMBR, Oceanographic Research Institute), SharkSafe Barrier, Shark Spotters, Justice4Jaws and the Sharks & People Working Group. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
Perth Now
09-07-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
STAY OUT OF WATER: Shark alert at popular WA holiday town
A shark warning has been issued off the Gascoyne coast with a whale carcass floating near Coral Bay. The carcass was reported floating at Pelican Point in the Shire of Carnarvon at 10.07am on Wednesday. Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said it was possible the carcass would attract sharks close to shore. Beaches and waters within a radius of about 300m of Pelican Point have been closed off. Swimmers, surfers and other water users are urged to be extra vigilant in the areas nearby. Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, along with staff from other agencies, are monitoring the situation. Take additional caution in the Pelican Point area. Adhere to beach closures advised by rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers, and Surf Life Saving WA. Use your sea sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or Surf Life Saving WA's X feed. If you see a shark, call Water Police on 9442 8600. Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – Check for updates to this alert and to view other warnings and media releases.
West Australian
08-07-2025
- Health
- West Australian
Shark warning issued for Jurien Bay Boat Harbour as whale carcass floats close to shore
A shark warning has been issued for the Wheatbelt coast with a whale carcass floating off Jurien Bay. The carcass was reported floating in Jurien Bay Boat Harbour at 8.35am on Tuesday. Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said it was possible the carcass would attract sharks close to shore. The Shire of Dandaragan has closed the nearby beach 1km north and 1km south of the carcass for the safety of water users. Swimmers, surfers and other water users are urged to be extra vigilant in the areas nearby. Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, along with staff from other agencies, are monitoring the situation. Take additional caution in the Kalbarri area. Adhere to beach closures advised by rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers, and Surf Life Saving WA. Use your sea sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or Surf Life Saving WA's X feed. If you see a shark, call Water Police on 9442 8600. Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website , download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – . Check for updates to this alert and to view other warnings and media releases.
Perth Now
08-07-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Shark alert as dead whale floats in WA boat harbour
A shark warning has been issued for the Wheatbelt coast with a whale carcass floating off Jurien Bay. The carcass was reported floating in Jurien Bay Boat Harbour at 8.35am on Tuesday. Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said it was possible the carcass would attract sharks close to shore. The Shire of Dandaragan has closed the nearby beach 1km north and 1km south of the carcass for the safety of water users. Swimmers, surfers and other water users are urged to be extra vigilant in the areas nearby. Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, along with staff from other agencies, are monitoring the situation. Take additional caution in the Kalbarri area. Adhere to beach closures advised by rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers, and Surf Life Saving WA. Use your sea sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or Surf Life Saving WA's X feed. If you see a shark, call Water Police on 9442 8600. Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – Check for updates to this alert and to view other warnings and media releases.
