South Australia has experienced an alarming increase in fatal shark attacks on surfers, with the state government attributing this rise to a toxic algal bloom affecting marine behavior.
Deputy Premier and Environment Minister Susan Close addressed the issue in an interview with Australia’s national broadcaster, explaining that the unusual presence and aggression of Great White sharks along metropolitan beaches may be linked to the ongoing algal bloom.
“We are seeing more Great Whites coming closer to shore,” Close said. “For example, at Henley Beach, a large Great White shark was found washed up, dying. This indicates they are more numerous along our metropolitan coastline than usual, and some appear to be in distress, which may explain increased aggressive behavior.”
The minister described the bloom as particularly harmful to marine life. “The algae produce toxins that cause skin hemorrhaging in fish and rapidly deplete oxygen levels in the water, suffocating those that cannot escape,” Close said. “With unseasonably warm weather drawing more people to the beach, we have extended shark patrols to ensure public safety.”
Great White sharks have been a protected species in Australian waters since 1999, and their population has increased significantly in recent years. However, the recent spike in shark attacks has raised concerns within the community and among experts.
Local surfer and veteran ocean user Jeff Schmucker, who has spent over 50 years on the water, cautions that the growing shark population poses an elevated risk for surfers. “The death of Lance Appleby, a Streaky Bay local fatally attacked by a Great White shark, marks the fourth fatal incident involving surfers in less than two years,” Schmucker said. Appleby’s death occurred at Granites, the same location where Todd Gendle was killed last October. Other fatalities include 15-year-old Khai Cowley at Ethels Beach in December and school teacher Simon Baccanello at Elliston last May.
The state government continues to monitor the situation closely and urges beachgoers to exercise caution while authorities increase safety measures.