The Minns Labor Government is urging caution to beach and waterway swimmers and surfers because of the recent heavy rain potentially creating murky conditions that increase bull shark activity in Sydney Harbour, other estuaries and along the NSW coast.
Heavy rain can change beach and waterway conditions quickly. Freshwater and nutrient rich run‑off can reduce the water visibility, affecting water quality and it attracts baitfish.
Beaches around Sydney, particularly the Northern Beaches, are still seeing large bait fish activity and that can lead to increased shark activity due to the recent rains before those experienced over Thursday and Friday.
The community is encouraged to download the SharkSmart app, which provides up to date information about shark sightings and risk mitigation measures. The SharkSmart app has been downloaded more than 430,000 times, including 68,000 over January and February this year.
Before getting back in the water swimmers and surfers are reminded to:
- avoid swimming or surfing in murky or dirty waters
- take extra care within 1km of rivers, river mouths or - harbours, especially after rain or flooding
- avoid getting in the water during dawn and dusk
- be cautious if you see baitfish, diving birds or dolphins
- avoid areas where there is recreational or commercial fishing activities
- swim between the red and yellow flags
- buddy up when swimming, surfing or diving
- stay informed, be SharkSmart and download the app today.
The Minns Government recently increased funding for the Shark Mitigation Program by $6.7 million, bringing it to more than $30 million this summer.
This increased investment is delivering more drones in the air, over more beaches, and more research and tagging of sharks to gain an even better understanding of their numbers and movement along our coastline and in Sydney Harbour.
Drones have significantly strengthened beach safety by enabling earlier shark detection, faster species verification, and highly targeted local responses. Operating at low altitude with high-resolution vision, drones allow lifesavers to issue immediate warnings, reduce unnecessary beach closures, and keep more beaches open safely.
NSW's network of 37 Tagged Shark Listening Stations continues to provide valuable real-time detection information to support beach safety, and 305 SMART Drumlines continue to be deployed daily along the NSW coast from Tweed to Bega, weather permitting.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"The NSW Government is strongly encouraging the community to be cautious following the heavy rain over the last few days as we head into the weekend.
"If your local beach is closed due to the weather, shark sightings, or poor water quality, we ask beach goers, swimmers and surfers, to not enter the water for their own safety.
"If you're on the coastline, by the harbour or on waterways, it's important to understand how the environment can influence shark behaviour and to then take the necessary steps to reduce your risk of a shark interaction."
