Whether you’re on the beach or surfing, you’ll be glad to know that there are a few things you can do to avoid getting bitten by sharks. These tips cover sharks and other water-based predators, and will help you stay safe during your time on the coast.
Table of Contents
Drumlines and shark nets
Hundreds of drumlines and shark nets line the coastlines of Queensland and other Australian states, and they have been used for over fifty years. They are designed to kill resident sharks, but they also catch a variety of other marine animals.
The shark control program in Queensland uses about 30 shark nets, and 360 drum lines with baited hooks. They are deployed along the state’s 86 beaches. They are anchored to the seabed with two metres of chain.
One of the most common uses for the mesh net is to catch rays. They can catch a number of other marine animals, including turtles and dugongs. It is important to remember that these nets are not selective, so they may catch more than they are worth.
Rogue bull shark spotted stalking Gold Coast canal
Having a trip to the Gold Coast you might have toyed with the idea of bringing along the family to the sands. The big C is not for the faint of heart so it’s best to be safe than sorry. One could argue that the best way to go about it is to scoot in the opposite direction. The main problem is that you need to be in a hurry. The best time to eschew the sands is during the off peak hours. On the other hand, it’s a golden opportunity for the likes of a swarm of slamming relatives. There is a fine line between having a good time and a not so good time. After a few beers, the afflicted enlightenment prevails. The only drawback is that your wallet will be slamming for the next ten o’clock.
Bull sharks breed in the warmer months of the year
Historically, bull sharks have been found in a wide variety of river systems and estuaries. They prefer estuaries that are healthy and have plenty of prey. They can also be found in lakes.
Juvenile bull sharks are generally born in freshwater lakes and estuaries. Once they reach maturity, they move offshore. The mother sharks feed the offspring until they are big enough to swim.
Bull sharks are a very large shark, usually weighing between 90 kilograms (198.4 pounds) and 230 kilograms (507 pounds). They are often caught for skin and liver oil. They have razor sharp teeth.
Bull sharks are very territorial, which makes them a threat to humans. They are known to attack racehorses. They have also been recorded eating other bull sharks.
Shark attacks on surfers off nearby northern New South Wales
Several shark attacks have occurred in Gold Coast Australia this year. One was fatal, and several others were unprovoked. Some of the beaches are open, but there are drum lines in the water to discourage sharks. The state government has vowed to enact new legislation to increase the protection.
The most recent attack, which claimed the life of an Australian man, took place on Tuesday. He was surfing at Greenmount Beach when he was bitten by a shark. The man, who has not yet been identified, suffered critical injuries to his upper right thigh. The shark was fought off by other board riders.
Another attack in Australia took place in April, when a Queensland wildlife ranger died after being attacked by a shark. The woman was about 20 metres offshore when three bull sharks attacked. The man was also mauled. Despite the massive blood loss, the paramedics were unable to revive the victim.
Avoiding sharks in the water
Amongst the many threats to our shores, sharks are a major concern. They are among the most common predators in the ocean, and they are capable of attacking humans. To avoid getting attacked, it is important to understand how sharks behave, and how you can avoid them.
There are many ways to prevent a great white shark from causing harm to you or someone you know. One way is to swim at a beach that is patrolled. Another way is to learn First Aid skills. If you are attacked by a shark, you should be able to swim to shore and get help. If you need to leave the water, use a surf life saver to keep you safe.
The Gold Coast has relatively few fatal attacks in recent years. However, the peak attack season coincides with the school holidays and Christmas holiday period. This is because sharks are most active at this time. The warmest air and water temperatures, as well as the maximum use of beaches, increase the number of shark attacks during this period.
About Author
