Surfing Tasmania issues warning after multiple shark sightings

A young surfer spotted a shark off a popular Tasmanian beach this week, as Surfing Tasmania issuing a warning. An expert weighs in on what kind of shark might be lurking in the water.

Surfers are being warned to take extra precautions before they hit the water this weekend, with “multiple shark sightings” at popular beaches.

Surfing Tasmania issued a warning Wednesday night, urging surfers to check with locals before heading out and keep alert while in the water after the sightings on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Clifton Beach surfer Noah Hassett, 14, saw a shark at Middle Clifton Beach about 4pm Wednesday as he was entering the surf.

Noah’s dad Richie said the shark was estimated to be about 2.5m long.

Clifton Beach surfer Noah Hassett, 14, sighted a shark at Clifton Beach on Wednesday afternoon. Photo: Supplied

“The shark was out the back of the waves,” Mr Hassett said.

“There were roughly 10 surfers further back towards the surf club and they left the water after the word spread. The shark was spotted again a short time later closer to shore.”

Mr Hassett is calling for further measures to protect surfers.

“It would be a good initiative if there was a warning siren available year ‘round at beaches like Clifton that are only patrolled during the summer months,” he said.

“Who knows it may save a life.”

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Tasmanian shark advocate Chris Black, author of White Pointer South, said the estimated size and location suggested it may have been either a juvenile great white or mako shark.

“Particularly at the surf breaks at South Arm, Clifton and Cremorne, sharks are regularly spotted and they don’t normally amount to any harm to humans,” Mr Black said.

“They’re mainly sharks passing through or following a certain bait fish; white sharks generally eat fish and squid if they’re under 3m.

Great White Shark. Photo: Calypso Star Charters Facebook

“As they approach 3m they tend to feed on marine mammals like dolphins, whale carcasses and seals … when whales are migrating and when dolphins are birthing, sharks can often be in attendance. Similar with fur seal colonies when the young pups start foraging in the seas without their mother’s help.

“These are rhythms of the sea that sharks have adapted to.”

Mr Black said the main message regarding shark sightings was that people shouldn’t panic.

“Most of the time they’re just poking around looking for food and moving on,” he said.

“They never really bother humans.”

Ian Haigh also reported seeing a shark at Clifton Beach.

“Definitely one out there I’m at beach now and saw it,” he said and shared a photograph.

A possible shark fin at Clifton Beach, Tasmania. Photo: Ian Haigh

Earlier this year, a Hobart diver came face-to-face with a great white shark at Kingston Beach.

Geoff Smith, 26, said he went diving at the northern end of Kingston Beach where the sighting occurred about 4pm on January 8.

The recreational diver, who hits the water 2-3 times a week, said he got “the biggest adrenaline dump of my life” when he turned and saw the shark about four metres from shore.

“I was scanning the sea floor and looked up and, there, clear as day was a three-metre great white adjacent to me about eight metres away,” he said.

Surfing Tasmania asked surfers if they see or hear of other sightings, to let the organisation know to help keep everyone safe.

Email [e-mail] with any sightings.