Concerns about sharks a lingering threat to Margaret River swimmers

Serious concerns are emerging about medium-sized sharks spotted perilously close to swimming beaches off the Margaret River coast. A dramatic sighting on Australia Day confirmed an anecdotal increase in sharks lingering off the popular stretch between the Gnarabup boat ramp and Surfers Point, alarming regular swimmers. Perth photographer Jane Wishaw said she had her camera handy on Australia Day when two sharks measuring about 3m remained just beyond the swimming pontoon. “I was completely stunned when pandemonium hit the beach as the two sharks appeared literally out of the blue as I was standing in calf-deep water about to dive in for my daily swim out to deeper water,” she said. “It was quite terrifying actually as the sharks came so close around 2m to 3m offshore. “It was daunting when they turned into the seaweed as they then vanished, completely camouflaged from sight, and appeared to disappear, however did go further out and then further down the beach.” Regular swimmer and Margaret River Rotarian Julien Sanderson said an increase in whiting, but less herring, could be driving the sharks’ attention, with reports of an even bigger shark lurking persistently off Gracetown. “About 50m offshore there were not one, but two sharks tracking back and forth over the sandy area, just off the Gnarabup beach to the right of the slip,” he said. “One would have been nearly 3m long, with the second about half that size. “Their fins were not breaking the surface and I got a good look at the tail fin which was very triangulated. My recollection of that fin shape was of a bronze whaler.” Mr Sanderson said after a walk and a swim about midday, he was surprised to see the pair roaming across seaweed patches within 5m of the beach. Since the incident, he and his wife were more focused on safety and swimming closer to shore. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, which includes the Department of Fisheries, confirmed shark sightings had increased during the summer this year. But a spokesperson also noted reports could include multiple sightings of the same shark and reports were not immediately verified to get out warnings in the interest public safety. “It is not uncommon for sharks to be present off the WA coast throughout the year,” they said. “There are many factors that impact on the number of shark sightings reported including the weather and number of people reporting sightings when they are in or on the water.” From December 1 to January 31 in 2021-22, 15 sightings were recorded off Margaret River, compared with 21 during the same period this summer. Regular swimmer Tori Johnson, who is training for the Rottnest Island swim, said there was “no secret” bronze whalers frequented the shoreline. “It doesn’t bother anybody,” she told the Times. “As a regular ocean swimmer, I see plenty of marine life — fish, rays, wobbegongs — that’s part of the joy of ocean swimming.”