Are bronze whalers in Port Phillip Bay?
A shark sighting in Port Phillip Bay could shatter beach lovers’ dreams of a dip after filthy water made swimming impossible for more than a week. Expert analysis of footage from the past weeks suggests the sharks are bronze whalers. It’s the second confirmed shark sighting in the bay this summer.
Where are bronze whaler sharks found?
The bronze whaler (Carcharhinus brachyurus) is found on the inshore continental shelf, usually in depths shallower than 100 m. Its Australian distribution extends southward from Coffs harbour in NSW to southern WA. Bronze whalers reach a length of 300 cm, with males maturing at 235 cm, and females at 245 cm.
Are there any sharks in Port Phillip Bay?
Port Phillip Bay is home to a variety of shark species: Gummy, Seven Gill, Port Jackson, Thresher … just to name a few. Bay Fish N Trips have been fortunate to catch several of these magnificent creatures.
Is a bronze whaler the same as a bull shark?
Whaler Shark including bull shark, spinner shark, dusky, blacktip, and bronze whalers (Carcharhinus spp) These sharks are grey to dusky bronze dorsally that fades to lighter ventrally. Fins of this species often have dusky or dark markings on their tips. Confusing species: Many other sharks.
Are bronze whalers aggressive?
The Bronze Whaler Shark is known as Carcharhinus brachyurus in the scientific community. These sharks are not friendly to humans, but they usually don’t harm anyone unless there is a presence of food or prey. Like other sharks, they get quite aggressive and agitated in presence of a food source.
Are bronze whaler sharks aggressive?
Do bronze sharks bite?
Attacks on humans Though large and powerful, the copper shark is not particularly aggressive towards humans unless in the presence of food. Copper sharks have bitten several swimmers in Australia and New Zealand, where the species is common. (The species is commonly called bronze whalers in this part of the world.)
Where are the gummy sharks in Port Phillip Bay?
Locations. Most of the larger gummy sharks are caught in the southern end of Port Phillip Bay around areas such as the Coles Channel near St Leonards, Mud Island, the Simmons Channels out from Queenscliff, and the Sorrento Channel.
Are bronze whaler sharks protected?
Therefore, the Bronze Whaler is assessed as Near Threatened (IUCN) globally and in Australia as Least Concern (IUCN) and Sustainable (SAFS).
How big are sharks in Port Phillip Bay?
The following is some information about shark species that have been caught or seen by Bay Fish N Trips on Port Phillip Bay: Gummy – grow up to 1.75 m in length. Bronze to grey shark with white spots. A mother may give birth from 1 to 40 pups, but average 14.
Where can a bronze whaler shark be found?
It can be found from brackish rivers and estuaries, to shallow bays and harbors, to offshore waters 330 feet deep or more. Bronze Whaler sharks only attack humans infrequently, but the species places tenth in the number of unprovoked attacks on people. It is a fast-swimming shark that is regularly fished for recreation.
Are there gummy sharks in Port Phillip Bay?
However, they will bite defensively if stepped on or bothered by divers who assume they’re docile. Gummy sharks, also known as flake at your local fish and chip shop, are a smaller breed of shark found all over Victoria, but especially in Port Phillip Bay.
What kind of Jellyfish does a bronze whaler shark eat?
Young Bronze Whaler sharks will also eat scyphozoan jellyfish and crustaceans, including mud shrimps and penaeid prawns. The predominant prey of the South African species is the southern African pilchard which comprise 69–95% of its diet.
