Sharks have recently been seen at Tallow Beach near Byron Bay, and it is worrying both Byron’s local authorities and people visiting the beach.… A recent video has made the rounds of swimmers apparently unconcerned with the notion that sharks were only feet away from them. Some of them snorkelers have even been spotted purposely swimming in the path of the circling sharks, emphasizing an actual danger within the water.
Dr. McPhee, a marine biologist, was wowed by the jaw dropping variety of sharks. These are known as black tip whalers, dusky whalers, bull sharks and smaller whaler species. These sharks have been actively chasing bait fish, particularly large schools of pilchards that have gathered in the shallows along Tallow Beach for several days, attracting hundreds of these predators.
Increased Shark Activity
This latest spike in shark activity has been linked to an especially bountiful year of pilchards. In the last half a year, feeding events have occurred almost weekly. These tragedies have played out off the beaches of Byron Bay, Lennox Head, Moreton Island and Burleigh Heads.
Officials are concerned, following last month’s deadly shark attack on two Swiss tourists at Crowdy Bay National Park. Since the incident, there has been an uproar over safety in the corridor. Investigators suspect the sharks were cruising close to bait balls when the attack occurred.
Photo by Eric Williams Dr. McPhee noted that the current shark feeding practice is dangerous.
“The sharks are feeding, so the risk lies in someone in the water simply being nipped.” – Dr. McPhee
He further noted that while injuries sustained are not necessarily life-threatening, they can still result in very serious complications.
“It may not be a life-changing injury or a fatality, but it’s still not what you want to see, particularly if someone was bitten and was bleeding with that large number of sharks around.” – Dr. McPhee
Lifeguards on Alert
Lifeguards at Byron Bay have been on double shifts to keep beach goers safe. Jimmy Keogh from Surf Life Saving New South Wales reported that they have been advising people about the risks posed by sharks in the area.
“Obviously, it’s pretty spectacular, but we are just advising people to use caution.” – Mr. Keogh
In spite of gorgeous weather and water conditions, Keogh warned beachgoers to continue to take precautions.
“The conditions have been beautiful, but if you see there is no-one in the water, then there is probably a reason why.” – Mr. Keogh
He illustrated how sharks traditionally herd bait fish up against the beach to isolate them.
“It’s what sharks do, they herd the bait fish close to shore so they can use the shore as a barrier to trap the fish.” – Mr. Keogh
What Lies Ahead
By Tuesday, observers could see that the bait balls were already beginning to come apart. It’s expected that this change will result in fewer sharks swimming near Tallow Beach. A welcome feature of this year’s local schoolies has been the strong regard they’ve shown for safety messages, Mr Keogh said. They have largely avoided the unpatrolled waters on the southern side of Cape Byron.
