Latest news with #SharkWatchSA
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
‘Pretty sick': Horror find on popular beach
Another great white shark has washed up on a popular South Australian beach, the fourth shark to appear on the shore in the span of a few weeks. Beachgoers saw the shark in distress in the shallows of Henley Beach in Adelaide and tried to keep the animal alive by jumping into the water. In an online statement, Shark Watch SA said 'the shark was safely moved into deeper water, briefly swimming away on its last strides of strength before being carried to the shoreline by the waves into its final resting position'. The shark was then 'carried off by PIRSA Fisheries officers', the statement read. Witness Antonio Rositano told 9News the shark was 'struggling' as it tried to hold on for life on the sand. 'It was rolling around, its belly was up, it looked like it was pretty sick,' he said. Despite best efforts form the public, the shark died on the beach. The death comes weeks after other sharks were found washed up on the shores of Ardrossan, Aldinga and Port Willunga beaches in South Australia. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) will investigate the cause of the sharks' deaths. In mid-March, beachgoers were warned to stay out of the water in some South Australian beaches, as a toxic algae bloom left hundreds of surfers feeling sick and killed scores of sea life, including octopuses, fish and seahorses. The state's Environment Protection Authority (EPA) said at the time the algae bloom was likely 'due to a microalgal bloom that has been driven by hot temperatures and still water and an ongoing marine heatwave, with temperatures currently 2.5C warmer than usual, with little wind and small swell contributing to conditions'. The EPA and PIRSA have been contacted for comment.
News.com.au
06-05-2025
- Climate
- News.com.au
‘Pretty sick': Horror as fourth great white shark washes up on Adelaide beach
Another great white shark has washed up on a popular South Australian beach, the fourth shark to appear on the shore in the span of a few weeks. Beachgoers saw the shark in distress in the shallows of Henley Beach in Adelaide and tried to keep the animal alive by jumping into the water. In an online statement, Shark Watch SA said 'the shark was safely moved into deeper water, briefly swimming away on its last strides of strength before being carried to the shoreline by the waves into its final resting position'. The shark was then 'carried off by PIRSA Fisheries officers', the statement read. Witness Antonio Rositano told 9News the shark was 'struggling' as it tried to hold on for life on the sand. 'It was rolling around, its belly was up, it looked like it was pretty sick,' he said. Despite best efforts form the public, the shark died on the beach. The death comes weeks after other sharks were found washed up on the shores of Ardrossan, Aldinga and Port Willunga beaches in South Australia. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) will investigate the cause of the sharks' deaths. In mid-March, beachgoers were warned to stay out of the water in some South Australian beaches, as a toxic algae bloom left hundreds of surfers feeling sick and killed scores of sea life, including octopuses, fish and seahorses. The state's Environment Protection Authority (EPA) said at the time the algae bloom was likely 'due to a microalgal bloom that has been driven by hot temperatures and still water and an ongoing marine heatwave, with temperatures currently 2.5C warmer than usual, with little wind and small swell contributing to conditions'.
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
13-04-2025
- Yahoo
Aussies flee popular beach after 4.5m predator spotted in shallows: 'No swim zone'
A group of holidaying Australians received the shock of their lives over the weekend when they arrived at a beach in the country's south for a swim, only to spot a "massive" four-metre great white shark cruising through the shallows. The group were among many football fans visiting South Australia for the AFL's annual Gather Round at the weekend — but their beach visit took an unexpected turn when the giant predator appeared just metres from shore. Filming the incredible encounter on Saturday at Aldinga Beach, south of Adelaide, vacationer Ebony said she and her friends had only just arrived at the spot when they made the exciting discovery. A three-second video shared on the Shark Watch SA Facebook page shows the predator swimming roughly 50 metres away. Ebony said she simply "couldn't believe" what she saw. "We'd just arrived to look at the beach, we came down the stairs, and a group of us was already down by the water — and we couldn't believe it," she told radio station 3AW. "It was massive, at least four and a half metres. We eventually found out it was a great white. "Everyone had cleared out at the time. We were like, 'well, there's good weather for the rest of the week, but [now] it's a no swim zone'. We're just keeping our eyes open for sure." While the moment was startling, shark sightings in SA — particularly involving great whites — are not unheard of. The state's southern coastline is considered a global hotspot for great white sharks, with nutrient-rich waters that support abundant fish life, making it a natural hunting ground for the species. 🦈 Tourists divided after 'one in a million' great white shark encounter 🐙 Incredibly rare 'sharktopus' sighting off New Zealand coast 💦 Tradie stunned as shark spotted in floodwaters Sightings often increase during the warmer months, when more people are in the water and when seals, a key part of the great white's diet, are more active around popular coastal spots. Though attacks remain rare, beachgoers are always encouraged to be vigilant and to heed any safety warnings. Marine experts say the presence of sharks is actually a healthy sign of a balanced ocean ecosystem, and the state is one of the few places in the world where cage diving with great whites is legal, drawing in tourists seeking a safe glimpse of the creatures up close. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
