Estuary shark raises concerns

A fisherman has issued a warning to recreational water users following a close call with a suspected bull shark in the Leschenault Estuary last week. Troy Tomlinson was net fishing in the estuary last Wednesday about 500m up the road from the Australind Caravan Park when he saw a fin in the water.

Picture: A bull shark caught in the Swan River last year

Mr Tomlinson said he was waist deep in water when a six-foot bull shark swam into his net and ‘‘ripped a great big hole’’.

The fisherman said he recognised the animal straight away after seeing bull sharks during dive trips.

‘‘If you’ve got kids and dogs down at the estuary it’s scary to think what could happen,’’ Mr Tomlinson said.

‘‘The animals could be looking for something to eat.

‘‘People need to know about it.’’

Bull sharks are widespread coastal and freshwater sharks that inhabit shallow waters in bays, estuaries, rivers and lakes.

It is not uncommon for skippers and anglers to spot bull sharks in the estuary which are often found to be hunting for food in shallow water.

In 2010 a spate of shark sightings in the Collie River and Leschenault Estuary prompted the Department of Fisheries to issue a warning for water users to be cautious.

In the same year a one-metre bull shark was caught in the Collie River.

In 2002 a 32-year-old man was attacked by a shark while swimming in the river.

He required 21 stitches after he was attacked from underneath while swimming about 500m upstream of the Eastwell Road boat ramp.

Department of Fisheries spokesman Ashley Malone said there was little that could be done about shark sightings unless they were reported to the Water Police.

‘‘If you see a shark, ring the Water Police straight away and the various authorities will respond as soon as possible,’’ he said.

Recreational water users have been advised not to swim near areas where human or animal waste entered the river, avoid swimming at dawn or dusk and leave the water quickly and quietly if they see a shark.

People are urged to report any sightings to the Water Police on 9442 8600.