Fishermen are urging the NSW Government to lift shark bag limits after four shark attacks in just 48 hours, as heavy rain and sewage overflows draw the predators closer to shore and increase the risk to swimmers and surfers.
Second-generation commercial fisherman Jason Moyce, who has worked the NSW south coast for more than 40 years, said current limits prevent both commercial and recreational operators from taking more sharks despite the spike in their numbers close to shore.
Mr Moyce said he has seen a surge in bronze whaler and bull shark activity in recent weeks, particularly following the heavy rain that lashed Sydney and the NSW coast over the weekend.
Under NSW Fisheries rules, recreational anglers may take up to five sharks per day, but only one of each species.
Commercial operators face a cap of 500 kilograms of shark per week – a limit which can equate to just two of the big fish, depending on species.
He said easing those limits would allow fishers to play a more meaningful role in reducing encounters.
‘Doubling the take would actually put a little dent in the population,’ he told ABC News.
‘I’m not calling for it – it’s just a suggestion. We can’t go for an all-out slaughter, but definitely an increase in catch rates would help.’
Just before Christmas Jaosn Moyce helped catch this large big bronze whaler shark off Kiah Inlet in shallow waters off Eden, warning there were plenty of sharks around
Pictured: A map of the shark attacks on the NSW coast between Sunday and Tuesday
University of Sydney public policy expert Chris Pepin‑Neff told Sunrise on Wednesday he would never swim in Sydney Harbour outside netted baths, warning conditions this week created a ‘perfect storm’ for shark activity.
‘My friends jump off boats on nice days – I’ve never done that,’ he said.
‘If it’s a warm night and a warm morning, the bull sharks are coming toward the surface, and I would not be swimming.’
Mr Pepin‑Neff argues the recent cluster of incidents is not due to a population spike.
‘This is not more sharks, which is why culling doesn’t work,’ he said.
‘It’s an unfortunate, terrible and tragic perfect storm.’
He said Sydney Harbour’s century‑old sewage system may also be contributing, with the pipes overflowing after as little as 20mm of rain – far less than the deluge Sydney received at the weekend.
Overflow draws bait fish in, which in turn attract bull sharks to the surface and closer to shore.
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University of Sydney public policy expert Chris Pepin‑Neff said while his friends jump off boats into Sydney Harbour (pictured) it’s something he would never do
Shark victim Andre de Ruyter (pictured) remains in Royal North Shore Hospital fighting for his life in critical condition
Another shark attack victim Nico Antic (pictured) was described as a talented soccer player who represented his club in international tournaments
A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development urged the public to stay out of the water in the current conditions.
‘Recent weather along the New South Wales coast continues to create conditions that significantly increase the likelihood of shark activity, especially bull sharks,’ the spokesperson said.
‘If you’re near the coastline, it’s important to understand how the environment can influence shark behaviour.’
