Photo of bull sharks in Gold Coast seaway is snapshot of healthy ecosystem says diver
IT is a picture that would strike terror into anyone who frequents the waters near the Gold Coast Seaway. But a veteran Gold Coast diver believes this photo should be celebrated, not feared.
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IT is a picture that would strike terror into anyone who frequents the waters near the Gold Coast Seaway.
A pack of bull sharks are seen scouring the sea floor while the boardriders who paddle across to South Stradbroke Island are blissfully unaware of what lies beneath.
But a veteran Gold Coast diver believes the photo should be celebrated, not feared.
Ian Banks took the amazing image while on a solo dive outside the mouth of the seaway last Monday.
“This photo shows that the seaway has a healthy ecosystem of marine life,” he said.
“The area is a gathering point not just for sharks but rays and fish too.”
Mr Banks has been diving around the Gold Coast since 1971 but has only been diving at the spot for the past 15 years.
The 60-year-old now lists the seaway as his favourite place to dive.
“It is a very special place,” he said.
“From a diving point a view it is the best mainland shore dive in any city in Australia.
“There’s not one reef in this area that comes within one per cent of the big fish that the Seaway has.”
While many of us might turn and swim away at the site of so many sharks in one place, Mr
Banks said he had to sneak up on the bull sharks to get the shot.
“A lot of people think they are aggressive but they are more frightened of us,” he said.
“They don’t let you get near them. I had to catch them off guard to get the photo.
“The water was very clear and they seemed to know what I was. None of these guys have ever attacked me.”