CURRUMBIN CREEK, AUSTRALIA
A missing shark net poses a threat to surfers and swimmers after it was torn loose from Currumbin Creek, possibly by a passing whale. Tony Ham, the manager of the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries shark control program, said the 186m net had been missing since Saturday evening and the search for it had been abandoned.
“For us the main concern was that it could be in the surf zone,” said Mr Ham. “If anyone sees the equipment in the surf zone they need to leave the water immediately, notify any lifeguards on duty and call the shark control program hotline on 1800 806 891 to report the sighting.”
Mr Ham said authorities believe the net could have been torn loose after snaring a whale.
“We don’t lose a lot of gear but normally we lose a net with whale strikes,” he said.
“Normally the net stays around or it goes with the whale. In 2003, we found a whale inshore and we were able to release it.
“If the net is bundled up somewhere it could be easy to miss but people should be on the lookout for a bright yellow buoy and maybe a few white buoys.”
The shark net was about 500m from the shore and has been replaced. Authorities believe the net is likely to be closer to the southern beaches.