In New South Wales, a notable rise in shark sightings has prompted beachgoers to turn to a newly launched shark-tracking app. Recent environmental shifts due to increased heavy rainfall have overtopped our rivers and creeks. This break has severely disrupted marine provisions and contributed to an increase in shark attacks. Paul Butcher, a principal research scientist with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), explained that the unusual environmental conditions have contributed to the increased presence of sharks along the coast.
Real-time alerts for shark movements. Ever since its installation, local residents and visitors have probably embraced it as much as its creators had hoped. Users receive notifications when sharks swim within 500 meters of any of the 37 listening stations installed along the coastline. This novel strategy is designed to expand the use of proactive safety measures for people participating in water recreation activities.
Environmental Changes and Shark Behavior
We learned from Dr. Paul Butcher about the impacts of recent extreme weather on our marine ecosystems. He continued to note that when large rivers and creeks flood, nutrients and food sources are distributed into the open ocean. This unusual influx serves to bring sharks closer to the shore.
“We have had a really wet season across NSW, so we’re seeing our major rivers and creeks flooding and sending our food sources into the ocean environment,” – Dr Paul Butcher
This influx of prey, largely of human origin, creates a more inviting environment for sharks, specifically opportunistic feeders like tiger sharks. By Butcher’s account, these sharks are opportunistic feeders and will eat anything that doesn’t eat them first.
“Tiger sharks like eating anything in the water … they’re opportunistic animals in terms of what they eat,” – Dr Paul Butcher
So, beachgoers are advised to take extra care to protect themselves while they’re enjoying coastal waters. The SharkSmart app is a simple, preventive measure that helps users stay up to date on local shark activity.
Research on Shark Bite Mitigation
Researchers at WA’s DPIRD are continuing to investigate materials in order to mitigate injuries resulting from shark encounters. This new initiative follows increasing public pressure over rising shark bite incidents. Dr. Tom Clarke, a member of the research team, explain what they learned from recent field trials with bite-resistant materials.
“We had about 15 tiger sharks that interacted with our boards and about 30 white sharks that bit the boards during the trials,” – Dr Tom Clarke
With these methods in place, the results revealed that all four tested materials largely prevented critical injury caused by shark bites. This can spare the affected animal from severe lacerations and punctures, alleviating the potential for severe blood loss and death.
“We found all four bite-resistant materials were able to reduce the critical damage inflicted from shark bites — things like large lacerations, punctures and limb loss which are largely the events which lead to large blood loss and fatalities,” – Dr Tom Clarke
This study highlights a hopeful trend toward more protective and preventive safety regulations that protect people who enjoy the water. Clarke stressed that if the goal is to prevent fatalities during shark encounters, then minimizing blood loss will have the greatest impact on lowering risk.
“But these results suggest you may be able to reduce a lot of the blood loss that occurs through bites — which might go a long way to reducing fatalities from serious injuries,” – Dr Tom Clarke
Increasing Awareness and Precautionary Measures
With rising numbers of shark sightings across the country, community awareness has never been higher. Local officials want the public to remain aware and exercise caution when swimming or surfing. The new SharkSmart app is one of those tools, helping to raise awareness around beachgoers and improve their understanding of shark behavior and safety.
Unfortunately, with more sharks in the area, swimmers need to be more aware than ever. The app provides users with real-time alerts. These alerts allow them to better control when and where they go in the water.
Beach officials want to make it clear that education is often the first line of defense in keeping our coast guarded and safe. SharkSmart tools such as the SharkSmart app can help track shark activity. Then, beachgoers can make the most of their time at the beach in full confidence.
