Shark debate
Victoria’s last fatal shark attack that maybe never was
Victoria’s last fatal shark attack has been misreported for years. Four decades after a windsurfer’s disappearance, a librarian, a scientist and a former police sergeant reveal the truth.
- Cassandra Morgan
Latest
- Opinion
- Sharks
Sydneysiders must be warned. After heavy rain, it’s not safe to go back in the water
We need to design strategies which ensure that swimmers and surfers in the harbour city are clear on the risk of shark encounters after heavy rainfall.
- Chris Pepin-Neff
SharkSmart drone program expanded at south-east beaches amid criticism of nets
The use of shark-monitoring drones at six new beaches comes four months after the premier said he would not protect the environment “at the expense of one single human”.
- Dominique Tassell
- Opinion
- Sharks
I’ve been ocean swimming for 40 years; I know where the sharks are
My swimming group stays about 100m offshore. Most fatalities occur where the waves are breaking. It’s all about education.
- Paul Ellercamp
Shark nets ‘don’t actually do anything’. So why are we using them?
“Those shark nets just aren’t very effective at protecting people. It’s time to start thinking about other things.”
- Dominique Tassell
- Opinion
- Opinion
I surfed the same breaks as Mercury. I hate to see politics trawl this tragedy
Mercury Psillakis died after being bitten by a shark last weekend. Sadly, politics soon intervened, even while the family and community grieved.
- Malcolm Knox
- Editorial
- For subscribers
Great white sharks: maybe they won’t need a bigger boat
New research suggests fears about growing numbers are misplaced.
- The Herald's View
Scientists tested great white shark DNA. Now we know how many live off Australian beaches
They’re our most feared apex predator of the sea, but new research is upending what we think we know about great white sharks.
- Bianca Hall
- Opinion
- Opinion
Shark hysteria only diverts attention from the real danger at our beaches
“Nanny state” wokeism versus Trumpy libertarian defiance. Shark safety is making waves in the surf community.
- Malcolm Knox
Close encounter with ‘Trevor’ the tiger shark prompts call for quicker Perth beach warnings
A number of tiger sharks were spotted by a keen wildlife videographer last week, who even used his drone to warn a woman that she was dangerously close to one of them.
- Rebecca Peppiatt and Andrew Du