Bull shark sighting: Experienced fisherman prompts warning from Fisheries

Air and on-water searches have been carried out in the East Gippsland river where a bull shark sighting was made.

A warning not to enter the Mitchell River between Bairnsdale and Eagle Point following a bull shark sighting has been lifted.

The advice notice issued by VicEmergency was in place for two days.

But following air and on-water sweeps of the area, and no further reports of sightings, ended late on Thursday.

Victorian Fisheries Authority is still urging fishers to remain mindful when entering the water.

Swimmers are also being asked to swim with a friend or family member and not swim after rain or at dusk or dawn.

“Although no sharks were sighted during on-water and aerial patrols on Wednesday, we encourage people to remain mindful and alert when enjoying the water,” VFA director Ian Parks said.

“Anyone who sees a shark anywhere in Victoria should triple-0 immediately or notify lifesavers if you are at a patrolled beach.

“Fisheries officers will continue to work with other agencies to monitor the situation.”

An experienced fisher reported seeing what he believed to be a bull shark near the Lind Bridge in Bairnsdale on Monday.

The sighting was not confirmed, but was deemed credible based on the fisher’s experience catching sharks and the tendency of bull sharks to travel into freshwater river systems.

Anglers have reported an increase in bull shark catches along the East Gippsland coast in recent years.

A bull shark caught at Burrum River in Queensland.

SHARK SIGHTING ‘CREDIBLE’

A bull shark has been spotted in the Mitchell River at Bairnsdale, prompting authorities to issue warnings to would-be swimmers and river users.

Victorian Fisheries Authorities, in conjunction with VicEmergency, have advised people to stay out of the water between Bairnsdale and Eagle Point until further notice following the shark sighting near the Lind Bridge between Bairnsdale and Wy Yung on Tuesday.

An experienced fisherman who has experience catching sharks spotted the bull shark and travelled to the Fisheries’ office at nearby Lakes Entrance in person to make the report.

Gippsland East MP and keen angler Tim Bull has commended the VFA’s handling of the sighting.

“I think this is a balanced and sensible approach while further investigations are being carried out,” Mr Bull said.

“The reported sighting is credible.

“It will be the eyes of the community that will be the most beneficial surveillance process.”

A bull shark caught in the Burrum River in Queensland last year.

East Gippsland is preparing for rising temperatures in coming days and the Mitchell River is popular with swimmers.

The Mitchell River empties into Lake King, which leads into the Gippsland Lakes system before heading out to sea at Lake Entrance.

Bull sharks are the only shark species that can stay in freshwater for long periods of time to feed and breed.

They are also aggressive by nature, leading to the warning by authorities.

On a lighter note, Mr Bull has been the subject of a humorous meme relating to the shark sighting.

“I thought it was pretty funny,” he said.

Authorities are requesting anyone who sees the shark to call triple-0 (000) or notify lifesavers immediately if you are at a patrolled beach, don’t swim in places where human or animal waste enters the water and keep away from large schools of fish, seals or other wildlife as they can attract sharks.