BULL SHARK FEEDING FRENZY ON ESPLANADE: CAIRNSPOST.COM.AU
PEOPLE are being urged to take care around Far Northern beaches following a sighting of sharks feeding in the shallows at the Cairns Esplanade.
The predators, believed to be bull sharks, were caught on video by Facebook user Wrkj David about 5.45am yesterday.
She said it was a shock to look out on the usually calm water and see circling sharks.
“I saw them just in front of Muddy’s (playground),” she said.
Edmonton father Jason Lancaster said he would be keeping an even closer eye on his kids at the beach now.
“I’m always watching over them and checking they’re not going too close to the water,” he said. He added he did his best to teach his young children the importance of staying safe around waterway.
“Crocs and sharks are definitely a concern,” he said.
“We’re playing in their domain so it’s really important to be aware of them.”
Fisheries Minister Mark Furner said people enjoying Far Northern beaches this summer had to be cautious of the presence of sharks.
He said while shark control equipment reduced the risk of attack, it was not an impenetrable barrier between sharks and swimmers.
“It’s important that swimmers remain aware and take steps to stay safe where sharks are a natural part of the marine environment,” he said.
“Swimmers should carefully consider when and where they swim.”
He said following safety tips was essential for keeping safe in apex predator habitats.
“You should avoid swimming before dawn and after dusk when sharks are most active,” he said.
“Always swim at patrolled beaches and between the flags where you can be alerted or assisted if a shark is sighted.
“Stay out of murky waters especially near the mouths of estuaries and artificial canals and lakes where bull shark numbers increase during the summer breeding season.”
He said it was essential for swimmers to leave the water if a shark was seen in the area and to not swim with pets.
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