Authorities are warning Mosman dog owners to keep their pets out of the water after three bull sharks appeared near Spit West Reserve.
The sharks circled close to D’Albora Marina, just metres from a popular dog swimming spot on 1 Feb.
Rising water temperatures have drawn sharks closer to shore, sparking concerns among residents.
Eyewitnesses Describe Close Encounter
A local boat owner, preparing for a fishing trip on Saturday, spotted the sharks around 1pm. He described the water as crystal clear, making the sharks easy to see.He also noticed that one of the sharks had a tag on its dorsal fin, likely from a research program.
Photo Credit: CRS
With the harbour’s water temperature at 26 degrees, he urged pet owners to think twice before letting their dogs swim.
He suggested that Sandy Bay in Clontarf is a safer option because of its shallow water. However, he added that he would not let his dog into the harbour this summer.
Bull Sharks Are More Active Now
Marine experts say bull sharks thrive in warm water, making Sydney Harbour a hotspot during summer when temperatures rise between 20 and 26 degrees. When the water cools below 19 degrees, these sharks migrate north to Queensland.
Lawrence Chlebeck, a marine biologist with Humane Society International Australia, emphasised that understanding shark behaviour can help people avoid danger.
Photo Credit: HSI Australia
How to Stay Safe Around Bull Sharks
Chlebeck shared key tips for swimmers and dog owners:
- Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or night
- Stick to designated swimming enclosures for extra safety.
- Stay out of murky or polluted water
- Watch for fish activity since diving seabirds often signal the presence of bait fish, which can attract sharks.
Chlebeck said that bull sharks likely were not hunting for food, but were exploring the surroundings.
Climate Change May Bring More Sharks to Sydney
Macquarie University shark expert Professor Culum Brown believes climate change will increase shark activity in Sydney Harbour.
Photo Credit: Macquarie University
As the climate warms, water temperatures will stay higher for longer, leading to increased appearance of bull sharks in Sydney Harbour and nearby estuaries, he added.
Recent Shark Attacks in Sydney
While fatal shark attacks remain rare, Sydney has seen several serious incidents in recent years.
In February 2022, a great white shark killed British diving instructor Simon Nellist off Little Bay. It was Sydney’s first fatal shark attack since 1963.
In January 2024, a bull shark attacked 29-year-old Lauren O’Neill at Elizabeth Bay, causing severe leg injuries and significant blood loss. The attack happened in water above 25 degrees before 8 p.m.
With ocean temperatures rising and shark sightings increasing, authorities urge swimmers and pet owners to stay alert.
For now, Mosman locals should keep their dogs on dry land—or at least stick to safer, shallow areas like Sandy Bay.
Published 4-Feb-2025