Rain stirs shark warning as mitigation costs and culling debate resurface
Heavy rain across the Northern Rivers has triggered warnings about increased bull shark activity in local rivers, estuaries and coastal beaches.
Falls exceeding 100mm around Lismore and Ballina have pushed runoff into waterways after months of dry conditions, creating murky water that can attract baitfish and sharks.
Bull sharks are known to move further upstream in rivers such as the Richmond following major rain events.
As safety warnings intensify, debate is growing about how sharks are managed along the NSW coastline.
Mitigation funding under scrutiny
The NSW Government recently increased funding for its shark mitigation program by $6.7 million, bringing total investment this summer to more than $30 million.
The program includes drone patrols, shark tagging research, SMART drumlines and a network of listening stations that detect tagged sharks.
Officials say the approach improves detection and reduces unnecessary beach closures while avoiding large-scale culling.
However, professional fishers interviewed in a 7 News report by Liz Penney this week argued the strategy is expensive and failing to address what they describe as rising shark numbers.
Fishers questioned whether limited commercial harvesting could play a role in managing populations while reducing reliance on costly technology programs.
Concerns raised about tagging
The Coffs Harbour report included footage of sharks carrying tracking devices, with some fishers claiming tagging can cause infection and serious injury.
They also argued sharks were still being encountered near drumlines and listening stations, raising doubts about the program’s effectiveness.
The state government maintains tagging and SMART drumlines are designed to improve safety and research outcomes while minimising harm to marine life.
Safety advice for locals
Swimmers and surfers are urged to avoid entering murky water, particularly within one kilometre of river mouths after rainfall.
Authorities also recommend avoiding dawn and dusk sessions, staying clear of fishing activity, and swimming between the red and yellow flags where patrols are operating.
Residents are advised to be cautious if they notice baitfish activity, diving birds or dolphins, which can signal increased predator presence.
With more rain possible in the coming weeks, the warning serves as a reminder that river and coastal conditions can shift quickly after dry periods break.
This shark is believed to have suffered for months from an exposed and infected transponder device fitted under the tag and release system.
Main photos: hundreds of sharks trawling behind a fishing boat headed back to port on the mid north coast. (Photos 7 News Coast)
