The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on the 20th that four shark attacks occurred in New South Wales (NSW) within 48 hours, injuring three people, two of whom sustained serious injuries.
According to reports, on the afternoon of the 18th, a 12-year-old boy was attacked by a shark at a beach in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, the NSW capital, suffering severe leg injuries that ultimately led to the amputation of both legs. On the 19th, a surfer was attacked by a shark near Dewy Beach in northeastern Sydney; the shark bit a 15-centimeter gash in his surfboard, but fortunately, the surfer was not injured. Just hours later, another surfer was attacked by a shark near Manley, suffering severe leg injuries. The latest shark attack occurred on the morning of the 20th, when a man surfing near the North Shore of NSW had his surfboard bitten off by a shark; thanks to the surfboard’s protection, the man only suffered minor injuries.
Following the series of shark attacks, the NSW government has partnered with the North Coast Council and local surf lifesaving organizations to address the potential risks. Reports indicate that all North Coast beaches have been temporarily closed for 48 hours. In addition, four more shark nets have been deployed to the existing 30 nets in the waters between Manley Beach and Palm Beach. Lifesaving organizations stated that lifeguards are patrolling using jet skis and monitoring the area using drones and rescue helicopters.
A spokesperson for the New South Wales authorities stated that recent weather conditions and water temperatures along the NSW coast have led to a significant increase in shark activity, particularly bull sharks. The Australian Museum stated that bull sharks can live in both freshwater and saltwater and are “one of the few sharks that can pose a danger to humans.” Associate Professor McPhee of Environmental Science at Bond University in Australia stated that bull sharks are more likely to be seen near Sydney in January and February each year when water temperatures are “their preferred temperatures.” Furthermore, recent heavy rainfall and runoff in the area have resulted in brackish water in the harbor, reducing underwater visibility. Shark behaviorist Pepping Neff wrote in the *Sydney Morning Herald* that murky waters after heavy rains can impair a shark’s vision, potentially leading it to bite out of defense or curiosity upon encountering an object, and then tear it apart. Therefore, he advises people to avoid murky, foamy waters.
According to the BBC, although Australia has one of the highest rates of shark attacks globally, the probability of an individual experiencing a shark attack remains extremely low. Therefore, the recent spate of shark attacks in New South Wales is a rare occurrence. CNN reports that Australia experiences approximately 20 shark bite incidents annually, resulting in two to three deaths. Shark attacks in the Sydney area are extremely rare, with only three fatalities in the past 60 years.