Qld shark attacks: Expert warns of ‘cluster of bites’

After the second shark attack off the South East Queensland coast this month, an expert has warned of a “cluster” in Moreton Bay.

The latest attack happened near the Tangalooma Wrecks (iStock image)

A shark expert has warned of a cluster of shark attacks across Moreton Bay after the second attack this month.

Bond University biologist and shark attack expert Dr Daryl McPhee said Moreton Bay was experiencing a “cluster of bites” after a tourist was attacked at one of the state’s most frequented snorkelling sites, near Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island.

It is understood a 29-year-old man was snorkelling alone at the popular Wrecks site and was only 5m from shore when he was bitten.

He suffered abdominal and leg injuries and has since been released from hospital.

The incident follows the death of teenager Charlize Zmuda off Bribie Island three weeks ago, and marks the fourth shark attack in Queensland waters in recent months.

Bribie Island shark victim Charlize Zmuda

A shark attack claimed the life of 40-year-old Luke Walford at Humpy Island in Central Queensland two months ago.

Another man was admitted to hospital in December after an attack on Curtis Island.

“A part of the phenomenon of unprovoked shark bites is you do get these, what we call clusters of bites,” Dr McPhee said.

“So we’ve seen them in the Whitsundays, where there was a series, we’ve seen them in the Perth and the greater Perth area, Port Lincoln, northern New South Wales.

“It is a global phenomenon … where you get a series of bites in a short period of time and, unfortunately, that’s what we seem to be seeing in Moreton Bay at the moment.”

While there are multiple reasons as to why these clusters occur – including bad luck – Dr McPhee said it could be due to an abundance of prey.

“Bad luck does play a part, but you can have circumstances where sharks go where there’s abundant prey, and this is a time of the year where you can have abundant prey in Moreton Bay,” he said.

“There’s also the dolphin feeding, and the presence of dolphins can also be a food source for and of interest to large sharks.”

The incident has reignited debate around shark safety, with Premier David Crisafulli questioned on the topic on Sunday.

“We are actively looking at the current management program and we’re determined to make sure that we make our oceans safer for Queenslanders for generations,” he said.

Mr Crisafulli said a review would be released soon.

“The only change on shark management will be to strengthen our coastline, not to make justification as to why people shouldn’t be in the ocean,” he said. “I put humans before sharks.”

Tangalooma Island Resort director David James said there had been no effect on tourism despite the attack.

It came as a fisherman was missing, feared killed by a shark, off the coast of Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.

The man is understood to have been taking part in a game fishing competition when he fell overboard.

Other contestants spotted a shark in the vicinity.

Fisheries Queensland said they were aware of the attack at the Moreton Bay Wrecks.

“Our thoughts are with the injured person, anyone who witnessed the incident, and those who provided assistance at the scene.

“There is no Shark Control Program equipment at this location, nor is there any information currently available on the species of shark involved,” a spokesperson said.

A public memorial at Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club on Sunday for shark attack victim Charlize Zmuda. Picture: Richard Walker

EMOTIONAL WAVE FOR CHARLIZE

Hundreds gathered at Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club for an emotional send off for Charlize Zmuda on Sunday following a surprise song dedication from Billie Eilish at her final Brisbane concert.

The 17-year-old, who tragically died in a shark attack earlier this month, was honoured with a paddle out organised by Surf Life Saving Queensland, the club and lead by Ms Zmuda’s family.

A line of surf life saving boats joined, as well as the Westpac helicopter, which dropped a wreath down to the paddlers.

The beach was solemn as paddlers held hands, before they began cheering and flicking water up into the air, with a round of applause erupting along the shoreline.

Two of Ms Zmuda’s best friends from school, Avara Bishop and Samantha Forsyth, said it was a “very emotional day”.

“I think these ceremonies help, especially seeing the support and love she has,” Miss Bishop said.

It is understood Sunday’s public memorial followed a private ceremony on Saturday in which the family and close friends spread Ms Zmuda’s ashes – placed in a biodegradable turtle – in the ocean.

Surf Life Saving Queensland regional operations manager Aaron Purchase said it was a very emotional morning.

“We’re just doing our best to wrap our arms around Steve, Renee and Steph, and it’s certainly going to be a difficult day,” Mr Purchase said.

The memorial followed a surprise dedication from Eilish, performing her hit Everything I Wanted at her final Brisbane concert.

“I want to dedicate this next song to Charlize Zmuda, to you and your family,” she said before launching into her 2019 single.

Steve Zmuda is embraced by a fellow mourner at the public memorial for daughter Charlize. Picture: Richard Walker