Bond University shark expert Dr Daryl McPhee has tackled the reasons behind a series of shark bites in northern NSW on the latest episode of the Disney+ series When Sharks Attack 360.
Dr McPhee has risen from a difficult childhood involving tragedy and homelessness to become an internationally renowned expert on the phenomenon of unprovoked shark bites.
“We are in the age of sharks where there is a clear public thirst for information on these creatures and a deep desire to unpack the details of bites on people and their trends," Dr McPhee said.
"While unprovoked shark bites remain rare, there has been a clear trend of increased bites on surfers in northern NSW.
“In the When Shark Attack 360 episode I flag that there is no single explanatory factor for patterns of unprovoked shark bites.
"However, the distribution of food including baitfish and whales and whale carcases can be significant.
“Large shark species such as white sharks are highly mobile and can range over large and diverse marine habitats looking for food.
"When they find a good source of food, they can stay their for a considerable period of time. If such a location is a popular beach, then the risk of a bite, while still very low, can be elevated."
The message Dr McPhee has for beach users is that the risk of a bite remains low, but be aware of your surroundings for the presence of prey that large sharks may eat, and avoid murky water.