Shark sightings are expected to increase in Queensland this summer as temperatures continue to rise.
Experts say beach-goers on the Gold Coast should expect increased shark sightings as the warmer weather lures sharks closer to the shore.
“Bull sharks are very active in summer in our local waterways,” marine biologist Daryl McPhee said.
“We expect to see a lot more bull shark activity if we get more bouts of rain over the next month or two.”
Shark populations are not on the increase despite the expected uptick. Instead, McPhee says swimmers are just “more aware of them” thanks to new shark spotting technologies.
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While it’s easier than ever to spot sharks from above, swimmers are still being warned to exercise caution when choosing a swimming spot.
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“Where you find shark food, you find sharks,” he said.
“It’s always good to be safe in the surf, so if there’s bait balls and diving birds, think again about your water-based options.”
The warning comes just days after three bull sharks were spotted on a drone swimming in the shallows at Burleigh Headland on the Gold coast.
Just 24 hours before that, thousands of beachgoers were forced to evacuate the water twice following two potential sightings.
