Latest news with #SouthAustralianResearchandDevelopmentInstitute
7NEWS
14-05-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
Death of sharks on Adelaide beaches remains a mystery as algae bloom plagues sea life
Researchers have been left scratching their heads at autopsy results from recent shark deaths on South Australian coastlines. Sharks that washed ashore in recent weeks have been taken by the Department of Primary Industry and Regions (PIRSA) officials to be examined and determine their cause of deaths. Autopsies have been done on both a great white shark that washed ashore on Henley Beach and another found at Port Willinga. But the research returned 'inconclusive' results. Since March, a toxic algae bloom has been appearing along South Australian coastlines and causing sealife to wash up on beaches. The micro-algae karenia mikimotoi is causing the seafoam along and murky water across South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula. The foam — likened by some to the froth on a milkshake — and its effects were first noticed by surfers at Waitpinga, about 100km from Adelaide, on March 15. The EPA reported the algae has since been found on beaches from Cape Jervis to Encounter Bay. A spokesperson from PIRSA said research will continue into the loss of sea life. 'Researchers from the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the research division of PIRSA, are continuing to investigate into the series of deaths of sharks around the South Australian coastline,' they told 7NEWS. 'A necropsy was performed on the White Shark retrieved from Henley Beach on 5 May 2025 but unfortunately, there were no conclusive histological findings to explain what caused its death. 'Extensive analysis and necropsies were also conducted on two White Sharks found by members of the public at Port Willunga and Port Moorowie last month, but unfortunately due to the age of the biological samples available a definitive cause of death was unable to be determined. 'The samples of all carcasses collected to date will be used for future scientific studies and help to improve our understanding of the White Shark population in South Australia.' Beachgoers and swimmers along the Southern Coast are being reminded to stay clear of water that may be discoloured or have the foam present. If any contact is made, people are advised to wash themselves in fresh water. Human exposure, including through breathing in algae particles, can cause respiratory and eye irritation or skin rashes in some people, while ingestion could cause stomach upsets or flu-like symptoms. PIRSA would also like to inform the public that 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. If a shark is spotted within 500 metres of shore or presents an immediate threat to humans, police should be contacted.
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.
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
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.
