Shark expert says it's a 'terrible idea' to swim in Sydney Harbour after heavy rain

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-20/sydney-harbour-shark-risk-not-clear-sewage-attracts-fish/106245214

In short:

Shark and public policy expert Chris Pepin-Neff says more communication is needed about sharks in Sydney Harbour after heavy rain.

There have been four shark-related incidents off the NSW coastline in 48 hours.

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce all beaches on the northern beaches will be closed for the next 48 hours due to conditions.

"After 20 millimetres of rain, the level of faecal matter and raw sewage that are in the harbour attracts bait fish and brings sharks toward the bait fish," they said.

"It's really important after a big storm to not swim in the harbour for about 72 hours."

24 points · 8 comments · view on lemmy.world

8 Comments

Timecircleline@sh.itjust.works · 18 pts · 204d (1 reply)

"After 20 millimetres of rain, the level of faecal matter and raw sewage that are in the harbour attracts bait fish and brings sharks toward the bait fish," they said.

It sounds like there are several reasons not to swim after a big storm.

DavidDoesLemmy@aussie.zone · 1 pts · 203d

Yeah, which is worse, shark attack risk of swimming in raw sewerage?

shermozle@aus.social · 6 pts · 204d (3 replies)
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blind3rdeye@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 204d (2 replies)

I guess there are many options for losing three words.

Shark expert says it's a 'terrible idea' to swim in Sydney Harbour after heavy rain

Shark expert says it's a 'terrible idea' to swim in Sydney Harbour after heavy rain

Shark expert says it's a 'terrible idea' to swim in Sydney Harbour after heavy rain

Shark expert says it's a 'terrible idea' to swim in Sydney Harbour after heavy rain

jaek@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 203d

As a shark I can confirm that it's a idea to swim in Sydney Harbour after heavy rain.

shermozle@aus.social · 2 pts · 204d
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No1@aussie.zone · 2 pts · 203d

Wondering if @SenatorCollins@aussie.zone may care to comment.

I feel like his comments are always helpful, tasteful and add a touch of class and wit to any situation.

Professorozone@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 204d (2 replies)

So they put up a permanent sign when a shark is sighted? Someone saw a shark here 10 years ago.

I know it's just some stock photo but it just seems weird to me.

zero_gravitas@aussie.zone · 3 pts · 204d (1 reply)

It's not a permanent sign, it's just a reusable sign planted in the sand

Professorozone@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 204d

Oh, cool. Thanks. Makes more sense now.