Australia Closes Dozens of East Coast Beaches Following Shark Attacks

Four shark attacks reported along NSW coastline since Sunday

A total of four confirmed shark attacks have occurred along Australia’s eastern New South Wales (NSW) coastline since Sunday, according to reports from authorities. The incidents involved a 39-year-old surfer who was bitten by a shark at Point Plomer near Port Macquarie, and a 27-year-old man who was left in critical condition after being attacked at Manly beach in Sydney.

Additionally, a young surfer narrowly escaped a shark attack at Dee Why beach in northern Sydney, with the shark biting a chunk out of his surfboard. On Sunday, a 12-year-old was seriously injured by a shark while swimming at a beach in eastern Sydney.

The Shark Smart App, which tracks recent shark sightings near NSW beaches, indicated dozens of reported incidents in the area. In response, several beaches along the coast have been closed for an extended period.

Experts attribute the increased number of shark attacks to rainy conditions, which create ideal conditions for sharks to be drawn to coastal areas. Brackish water and sewage run-off from rainwater can make it difficult to see, while baitfish are attracted to these areas, drawing in sharks.

The NSW government has advised people to avoid swimming or surfing at ocean beaches for 24 hours after a large downpour. Authorities have also warned of the dangers of swimming in Sydney Harbour after heavy rains, recommending that individuals wait 72 hours before doing so.

Source: Al Jazeera