Shark Smart, the NSW Government's tips and info to help reduce your risk of shark interactions - including live tweets from tagged sharks, has pinged 5 tagged bull sharks at North Narrabeen on Wednesday March 12.
The day before, a young fisher had a large bull shark chase a squid he was reeling in at Bayview. This one was reported to DorsalHQ, another app that re-reports those tagged sharks pinged on SharkSmart as well as sharing reports by residents across Australia and outside of areas where shark listening stations have been installed.
This bull shark was estimated to be 6-8 foot and was encountered near Loquat Valley drive and Pittwater Rd, just around the corner from the dog park where people swim their dogs.
A fortnight ago another resident reported catching a shark inside Narrabeen Lagoon, towards the section where it empties into the ocean.
In February sharks were spotted near the dog swimming area at The Spit west reserve.
On March 12 Bradley Seeto posted a video on YouTube of fishing in Pittwater over summer, stating;
''Bronze whalers, hammer head and a shovel nose ray. Pittwater Sharks! Just too many around.''
This is not the first instance of sharks being reported in Pittwater or Narrabeen Lagoon. Bull sharks have been seen, sometimes in the multiples following each other, throughout the estuary in Autumn annually, and historically have been known to be in the estuary for generations. Scotland Island residents in the 1950's remember being unable to swim in anything other than the fenced off pools and even sanding on the edge of the water and watching large ones swim past.
Shark Point on the western edge at Barrenjoey was named during the colonial era of Pittwater due to the presence of sharks;
“there are places for a dusty city man to dream of some of the finest scenery in the world. Past Lion Island, at the mouth, in beyond Scotland Island, the broad water and low tree-revered hills remind one of the lake district in England and of Windemere. All the waters are filled with fish - bream, mullet, flathead, whiting, schnapper, everything. There's only one drawback- the sharks. But then you can go shark-fishing. It's a fisherman's paradise. ON THE HAWKESBURY. (1909, September 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15107135
Some of the records are available in past history pages:
Sharks in Pittwater are not the only visitors to the estuary either.
Residents will recall the mum and bub who were seen here in October 2024, and the young bub female dolphin at Palm Beach wharf in the spring and summer of 2013.
Palm Beach baby dolphin - 2013. Pcs: AJG/PON
A baby humpback named by humans 'Colin' was found in the estuary August 2008 and euthanised by authorities after they could not work out a way to feed it. Colin had been 'suckling' on yacht bases, he was starving. His possible mum was found dead on the south coast around the same time.
Those who lived alongside the estuary during those few days of Colin finding sanctuary in Pittwater could hear his distressed calls for his mum at night - they still hear him in some dreams.
The October mum and bub visitors received a warm welcome and were escorted by waterways back out when they decided to leave, just to ensure other boaters on the estuary gave them safe space.
Bull sharks mate during late summer and early autumn, often in bays and estuaries. After gestating for 12 months, a bull shark may give birth to 1 to 13 live young. They are viviparous, born live and free-swimming. The young are about 70 cm (27.6 in) at birth. The bull shark does not rear its young; the young bull sharks are born into flat, protected areas. Coastal lagoons, river mouths, and low-salinity estuaries are common nursery habitats.
The bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas), is a species of shark commonly found worldwide in warm, shallow waters along coasts and in rivers. It is known for its aggressive nature, and presence mainly in warm, shallow brackish and freshwater systems including estuaries and (usually) lower reaches of rivers.
In January 2025 Lauren O'Neill, 29, was attacked by a bull shark near a private wharf off Billyard Avenue in Elizabeth Bay just before 8pm. Shark researchers stated then the increased temperature of the water had led to an increase of sharks in Sydney Harbour.
People are advised to swim only in netted swimming enclosures on the harbour and other estuarine areas.
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Paradise Beach baths - renewed in time for Summer 2024/25
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Bayview Baths in Summer of 2024/2025 - repairs to netted area still incomplete almost 10 years on.
NSW Department of Primary Industries marine ecologist Amy Smoothey told ABC Radio Sydney the department's research found there were "numerous" bull sharks in coastal and inland areas in January and February due to warmer water temperatures.
"What we know from our tagging and tracking research is that bull sharks are more actively feeding during those low light periods such as early mornings, late evenings and throughout the night," she said.
Dr. Christopher Pepin-Neff from the University of Sydney, who has researched public behaviour and shark attacks, told the ABC the hot summer weather has likely brought more sharks into the harbour.
Dr Pepin-Neff said with the population in Sydney growing, there are likely to be more human encounters with sharks.
He said when people are bitten "there's usually something going on in that area whether it's water temperature or bait fish or mullet that sharks are following".
"We need to be aware of the fact that it's a dynamic ecosystem, it is very active and we need to be careful," he said.
The DPI's fact sheet on bull sharks states when water temperature drops below 19 degrees, Bull Sharks leave and travel north to Qld for winter and spring.
The DPI's research shows the conditions in which to take extra care:
- Murky, dirty water
- After high rainfall or floods
- Lots of baitfish and diving birds around
- Within 1 km of a river (the Hawkesbury in Pittwater's case - residents have stated they see sharks here year round)
Bull sharks are more active in summer and autumn months at dawn and dusk and particularly when waters are above 20°C and where shallow waters are close to steep drop-offs.
The water temperature in Sydney on Friday March 14 was 25.4°C. Based on historical data over a period of ten years, the warmest water in this day in the Tasman Sea near Sydney was recorded in 2014 and was 26.1°C, and the coldest was recorded in 2008 at 22.8°C.
Sea water temperature in Sydney is expected to drop to 24.1°C in the next 10 days.
However, the March average water temperature in Sydney is 24.3°C, the minimum temperature is 21.9°C, and the maximum is 26.8°C, so there will be a few more sharky days to come before cooler temperatures send these visitors north.
With climate change increasing and keeping water temperatures higher for longer, the instances and lengths of bull sharks in the estuary and off our beaches may increase.
See: Shearwaters washing up on local beaches for third year in a row: Mass mortalities of Starving Birds attributed to Australia's Lose-Lose Policy on the Australian Environment - October 2024 report
The bull sharks' aggressive nature has led to ongoing shark-culling efforts near beaches to protect beachgoers, which is one of the causes of bull shark populations continuing to decrease. Bull sharks are currently listed as vulnerable to extinction on the IUCN Red List.
The Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program 2023-24 Annual Performance Report was released late Thursday August 1st and records a total of 255 marine animals were caught in the SMP during the 2023/24 meshing season, comprised of 15 target sharks and 240 non-target animals. Ninety-two animals (36%) were released alive.
Those listed under 'Sydney North'- our region - and which omitted for the first time where, specifically, each animal died - records 44 non-target species were caught in local nets:
- White Shark 1
- Bronze Whaler 2
- Dusky Whaler 2
- Smooth Hammerhead Shark 10 - (56 of the 57 caught in all nets were found dead. 26 were caught in the nets at Central Coast north and 17 at Central Coast south).
- Greynurse Shark 3. (6 of the 14 caught died. 157 of these species have been caught in the nets dating from the 2013/14 program onwards according to the report - Threatened species entanglements for 2013/14 to 2023/24 - page 30. This is a listed as Critically Endangered species)
- Southern Eagle Ray 4
- Australian Cownose Ray 15 - (the highest amount caught in any of the nets across the state)
- Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin - 3 - (4 out of he 5 caught in all nets were found dead)
- Green Turtle - 1. (8 of the 13 caught died).
- Leatherback Turtle - 2. (5 of the 11 caught overall were found dead).
- Longtail Tuna - 1
The bull shark is diadromous, meaning they can swim between salt and fresh water with ease, as they are euryhaline fish—able to quickly adapt to a wide range of salinities. Thus, the bull shark is one of the few cartilaginous fishes that have been reported in freshwater systems.
The bull shark is a marine apex predator, capable of taking a variety of prey. The bull shark's diet consists mainly of bony fish and small sharks, including other bull sharks, and stingrays. Their diet can also include turtles, birds, dolphins, terrestrial mammals, crustaceans, and echinoderms. They hunt in murky waters where it is harder for the prey to see the shark coming. Bull sharks have been known to use the bump-and-bite technique to attack their prey. After the first initial contact, they continue to bite and tackle prey until the prey is unable to flee.
The bull shark is a solitary hunter, though may briefly pair with another bull shark to make hunting and tricking prey easier.
SharkSmart 'pings' at North Narrabeen and North Steyne this week:
SharkSmart @NSWSharkSmart: Mar 12, 2025 - NSW DPI advise that the North Narrabeen beach, North Narrabeen tagged shark listening station is online. Please be #Sharksmart
SharkSmart: Mar 12 - DPI Fisheries advise: tagged Bull Shark #2583 detected by North Narrabeen receiver at 07:20:18 AM (AEDT) on 12-March-2025. Last detected at 10:41:24 AM (AEDT) on 12-March-2025 by North Steyne receiver. Tagged and released 05-February-2025(AEDT) at Surf Beach, Eurobodalla.
SharkSmart: Mar 12 - DPI Fisheries advise: tagged Bull Shark #151 detected by North Narrabeen receiver at 11:54:39 AM (AEDT) on 10-February-2025. Last detected at 01:56:47 AM (AEDT) on 01-March-2025 by North Steyne receiver. Tagged and released 07-March-2016(AEDT) at Sydney Harbour.
SharkSmart: Mar 12 - DPI Fisheries advise: tagged Bull Shark #954 detected by North Narrabeen receiver at 05:35:46 AM (AEDT) on 08-February-2025. Last detected at 04:55:18 AM (AEDT) on 25-January-2025 by Bondi receiver. Tagged and released 28-February-2021(AEDT) at Bradley's Head, Sydney Harbour.
SharkSmart: Mar 12 - DPI Fisheries advise: tagged Bull Shark #1485 detected by North Narrabeen receiver at 02:40:41 PM (AEDT) on 05-February-2025. Last detected at 02:11:58 AM (AEDT) on 09-March-2025 by Bondi receiver. Tagged and released 21-June-2022(AEST) at Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie.
SharkSmart: Mar 12 - DPI Fisheries advise: tagged Bull Shark #778 detected by North Narrabeen receiver at 03:58:41 AM (AEDT) on 01-February-2025. Last detected at 02:11:27 AM (AEDT) on 12-February-2025 by Sharpes Beach receiver.Tagged and released 12-December-2019(AEDT) at Whitsundays.
SharkSmart: Mar 12 - DPI Fisheries advise: tagged Bull Shark #434 detected by North Narrabeen receiver at 11:31:30 PM (AEDT) on 31-January-2025. Last detected at 07:16:34 AM (AEDT) on 21-February-2025 by Avoca receiver. Tagged and released 18-January-2018(AEDT) at Nielsen Park, Sydney Harbour.
SharkSmart: Mar 12 - DPI Fisheries advise: tagged Bull Shark #2583 detected by North Steyne receiver at 10:38:56 AM (AEDT) on 12-March-2025. Last detected at 08:45:14 PM (AEDT) on 11-March-2025 by Avoca receiver. Tagged and released 05-February-2025(AEDT) at Surf Beach, Eurobodalla.
SharkSmart: Mar 10 - NSW DPI advise that shark nets at Palm, Whale, Avalon, Bilgola, Newport, Mona Vale and Warriewood beaches have been reset this morning.
SharkSmart: Mar 10 - No SMART Drumlines today from Manly Beach to Turimetta Beach.
In our area there are three shark listening stations, at Palm Beach, North Narrabeen and North Steyne. When a tagged shark swims within 500 m of a listening station, an instant alert is sent to the SmartSmart App, website and Twitter feed @NSWSharkSmart providing real-time updates to the public and beach authorities. These were installed in March 2022.
The stations are installed on customised Meridian Plus buoys manufactured by Franklin Offshore, Australia. Receiver buoys are approximately 3 m in height and fitted with 3 m long steel sub-frame leg, which mount the receivers’ hydrophones approximately 4m below the surface. In combination, the assembled buoy installation weighs approximately 300kg. These units are secured to the sea floor by 2 x 27kg anchors and 13.5 m of 19 mm studlink chain on each anchor and 13.5 m of 22 mm studlink riser chain as a stabiliser.
All buoys are deployed approximately 500-700m off the NSW coast in 5 to 20 m water depth. For navigational purposes, the buoys display a yellow flashing light with a range of 2 nautical miles with a flash rate of 1 second on / 4 seconds off (except Forster which acts as a West Cardinal Light). All buoys have the required RMS approvals and their location is listed as a ‘Notice to Mariners’ through RMS. The ‘Naval Hydrographic Office’ has also included these positions on their electronic charting system.
Tracking tagged sharks provides DPI scientists with knowledge about when these sharks are along our coast. The public can download the SharkSmart App to mobile devices and set it to receive notifications for certain locations, times and alert types.
For more information, visit www.sharksmart.nsw.gov.au
'Scotland Island, Newport, Pittwater, N.S.W.', photo by Henry King, Sydney, Australia, c. 1880-1886. and section from to show cottage on neck of peninsula at western end with no chimneys through roof. From Tyrell Collection, courtesy Powerhouse Museum
WAR ON THE SHARK
Messrs. Alf. Buxton, of Church Point, Pittwater, Les. Newman, and Bill Taylor, went fishing for sharks at Broken Bay last Tuesday and Wednesday. Lines of 1/2in, calibre, with 6in. hooks, baited with mullet, were instantly laid, and immediately met with assault.
In, all, 21 were caught, including, one female tiger shark of 12ft. 6in., which, on being opened, was found to contain 11 young ones measuring 3ft. each.
The sport was of the best, the vicious runs of the captured brutes being thrilling. The oil, totalling 20 gallons, has been extracted from the catch, as well as the fins and tails, and is now awaiting a purchaser. Alf. Park, of Church Point, Pittwater P.O., takes parties on to grounds where the same sport can be had. WAR ON THE SHARK (1922, March 18). The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), p. 2 (FINAL SPORTING). Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article225218560
NB: Alf 'Buxton' was actually Alf Burton who had the lease of the Church Point General Store and Post Office at this time. Alfred Ernest Burton (Ex-A.I.F), bought Simpson's business and 'holdings' at Church Point. Simpson's Estate was advertised for sale from early 1921. Bill Taylor is likely to be the famous pilot and member of the Bayview family of the same surname.
FIGHT WITH SHARK IN CAREEL BAY. FISHERMEN'S EXPERIENCE.
The story of an exciting fight with a tiger shark in Careel Bay, near Palm Beach, was told yesterday by Mr D K Edgar, of McLennnn and Connor Sydney woolbuyers who with Mr Henry Monckton. a Sydney woolbuyer, and his brother Mr Basil Monckton, succeeded in landing the shark after a struggle lasting nearly two hours. The struggle was witnessed by hundreds of holiday-makers, who witnessed the rare spectacle of a sea monster dashing to and fro about the bay in utter frenzy and at last, almost exhausted being landed and dispatched with the aid of an axe. The captive weighed about 600lb and measured 11ft 9in.
The tiger shark Is one of the most ferocious of its genus. The captured specimen had four rows of teeth in each of its jaws, and when it was opened up the remains of what had been a large-sized dog were found in its inside. A shark line baited with a small shark was set overnight, and the following morning Mr Henry Monckton found that about 80 yards of line had been taken out. He jumped into a 16ft ship's boat and unfastened the line from a post. Immediately he was towed out at it startling speed to the centre of the bay. He gave the alarm and his brother and Mr Edgarr set out in pursuit in a dinghy one armed with a rifle and the other with harpoon. They reached the larger boat and Mr Basil Monckton took charge of the oars and ' backwatered ' to steady the shark’s speed, whilst Mr Henry Monckton ' played" the captive und Mr Edgar looked after the dinghy.
For over an hour the shark fought dashing across the bay hither and thither and swirling the water, its trail of lashed waters resemblling the track of a steamer. Gradually the amateur fishermen worked the monster into shallow water. Then Mr Basil Monckton leapt out of the boat and raced ashore with the line, whilst his brother secured the harpoon, struck the monster with it, and twisted it in the body as much as his strength would allow. The shark was then hauled on to the beach.
During the struggle It was noticed that two pilot fish, one about 15 Inches long and the other about five inches, appeared to be greatly perturbed. They swam about with their guardian, and accompanied the monster right up to the bench, the smaller one being secured by Mr. Edgar. The larger one swum about the beach for at least two hours after the final stage of the fight. One of the most remarkable incidents was that when the shark raised his body out of the water the pilot fish jumped on to his back. They appeared to have a real affection for the monster, and the manner in which they swam close into the shore after it had been landed excited the keen interest of the many spectators who came to view it. FIGHT WITH SHARK. (1926, January 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16267239
HUGE TIGER SHARK CAPTURED IN CAREEL BAY. (1926, January 7). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16267219
The closing off of the Inner Basin and the debate that proceeded it, all published in periodicals of those months, that begins with the idea of a shark-proof net (Pittwater had a lot of shark visitors during the first half of the 20th century) and ends with the installation of a shark-proof net:
INNER BASIN, PITTWATER.
In a letter to the Editor of the "Herald," Mr. A. C. Cooke appeals to yachtsmen to oppose the reported decision of the Kuring-gai Chase trustees to close the Inner Basin, Pittwater, to all boats, irrespective of size, in order that they might convert the basin into a huge swimming pool, protected by a sharkproof net. INNER BASIN, PITTWATER. (1934, November 6). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17130565
INNER BASIN, PITTWATER.
The objection raised by yachtsmen to the Kuring-gai Chase Trust's proposal to close the Inner Basin, Pittwater, against yachts and launches, and to reserve it for the exclusive Use of bathers, evoked the reply from the trustees that they had been driven reluctantly to consider such a proposal by the action of yachtsmen themselves. The basin is almost entirely enclosed, and there is practically no scour by the tides. Sanitary conveniences have been provided on shore by the trustees, but, it is stated, the obvious requirements of the situation have been ignored by most owners of craft using the basin. The result has been to create within the pool so serious a nuisance that the only alternative appears to be the closing of the basin altogether. Before reaching a final decision, the trustees intend to confer with the committee of the Pittwater Yacht Club. INNER BASIN, PITTWATER. (1934, November 12). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17138900
MOTOR. BOATING. PITTWATER REGATTA PROTEST
At a largely attended meeting of the Pittwater Regatta Committee representing all sections of aquatic snort a resolution was passed on Monday night protesting against the proposal of the trustees of the Kuring-gal Chase to close the Inner basin at Coaster s Retreat Pittwater.
It was stated that for upwards of fifty years the Inner basin had been the rendezvous of all types of yachtsmen and that It was one of the few spots left entirely unspoilt by the trend of modern development Members of the committee «reed that It should not be Interfered with but left In Its natural state for the benefit of present and future generations
The meeting decided that representation should be made to the trustees to present this unwarranted action of converting the Inner basin into a swimming area and thus depriving yachtsmen of the right to use It. MOTOR BOATING. (1934, November 14).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 18. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17115736
INNER BASIN, PITTWATER.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
Sir -My attention has been drawn to a paragraph In your paper under the heading of "Inner Basin Pittwater wherein the trustees of Kuring-Gai Chase state The basin is almost entirely enclosed and there is practically no scour of the tides Sanitary conveniences have been provided on shore by the trustees but it is stated the obvious inquirements of the situation have been ignored by most owners of craft using the basin. This is not according to fact, as the number of craft moored for any length of time within the basin except for Christmas, Easter and a few holidays Is negligible. If there is trouble it Is caused by the action of the trustees in locking up their conveniences and only making them accessible on placing a coin in a slot in the locked doors which yachtsmen are not always in a position to comply with
At times large parties arrive by ferry from Brooklyn and picnic parties by hired launches and through lack of change or disinclination to pay at times may cause some trouble Yachts have properly constructed conveniences and boats of any draught cannot enter the basin except at high tide During the summer, when the strong nor-eastern blow The boats lying outside find it difficult to land with their dinghys and they then enter the basin and land at the wharf. At times small boat owners with ladies aboard go inside to avoid the jobble.
The real trouble is the baths where the trust deposited a mass of spoil removed from the erection of a reservoir and made a barrier that destroyed the natural scour of the tide that used to clean out the baths. The way to deal with this matter is not to deprive the public who use the basin all the year round for the few swimming parties who would use it occasionally but rather to deal with the entrance by enlarging it so that the scour will be increased It is to he hoped that nature lovers and yacht owners will yet Induce the trust to desist in their contemplated action. Sydney Nov 13 YACHTSMAN. INNER BASIN, PITTWATER. (1934, November 15). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17140873
INNER BASIN. PITTWATER.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.
Sir,-Further to my letter of the 5th instant, and also to the reply of the trustees in this morning's "Herald," I would point out that in my opinion, and also that of many yachts-men, the lack of scour in the baths in the Inner basin has been considerably aggravated by the removal of the old wooden jetty and the substitution of a stone jetty, thereby acting as a breakwater and preventing the natural scour.
In regard to the trustees' statement, that the only alternative appeals to the closing of the basin altogether may I suggest that there is still another one, and that is to erect a shark-proof fence along the little beach which is on the southern side of the enhance and continue same to the stone jetty which would form the south-eastern side of the baths, and would give a certain amount of shelter as well as strength to the fencing Incidentally, this beach, although open at present, is used a good deal by swimmers.
The advantage of the above would be that the baths will be open to the full scour of the tides, winds, etc, and, m addition, yachtsmen will still have the advantage of the very safe and peaceful anchorages available in the inner basin
I am, etc., A. C. COOKE. Civic House, Nov. 12. INNER BASIN PITTWATER. (1934, November 19). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17113594
THE BASIN, PITTWATER.
Mr. A. D. Walker, commodore of the Royal Motor Yacht Club, Broken Bay branch, said yesterday that opposition was being expressed to the proposed closing, by the Kuring-gai Chase Trust, of the Basin, Pittwater. More than 200 yachtsmen and their crews attended a meeting of protest, and a petition had been sent .to the Minister for Lands. Many public bodies, and aquatic clubs had expressed opposition. He had received copies of many letters sent to the Minister, objecting to the trust's proposed action.
Mr. Walker said that during the Christmas holidays his club appointed a committee to investigate statements made by Mr. Orchard, chairman of the trust, about yachtsmen polluting the Basin. It found that the allegations were Incorrect, and that large parties were swimming in the baths without complaints of any kind. The committee discovered that the trust granted permits for a number of well-conducted camps on the flat, for which It charged 5/ a tent a week. THE BASIN, PITTWATER. (1935, January 8). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 10. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17137390
THE BASIN, PITTWATER.
The president of the Kuring-gal Chase Trust, Mr R B Orchard, replied yesterday to Commodore A D Walker's criticism of the trust’s proposal to close The Basin Pittwater.
Mr. Orchard said that the Inner basin was a confined area, only accessible by a narrow passage and during certain periods of the tides The baths were located in the Basin. At times as many as 75 launches were anchored in the basin The trust had found that the presence of the yachts was the cause of pollution of the basin The fault wan not that of the trust. It had made provision for the needs of the large number of people but the accommodation it had provided had not been utilised.
Mr Orchard said that some people had contacted skin diseases as a result of bathing in the baths, and the only inference was that the baths were being polluted. The proposed bridge would not prevent pleasure-seekers In row boats or small launches from visiting the Inner Basin It would only exclude certain larger craft which anchored there. THE BASIN, PITTWATER. (1935, January 9). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17114220
INNER BASIN, PITTWATER.
At yesterday's meeting of the Kuring-gai Chase Trust the protest against the proposed closing of the inner basin, Pittwater, to large craft was discussed. It was decided to ask the motor boat and yacht clubs, whose members use the Inner basin, to assist the trust to obviate the nuisance and danger to health caused by the pollution of the waters there. INNER BASIN, PITTWATER. (1935, January 11). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17122428
PITTWATER BASIN. Conference Called.
In the hope of securing an amicable settlement of the dispute over the proposed closing of the inner basin at Pittwater, the Minister for Lands (Mr. Buttenshaw) has arranged a conference of the interests concerned. It will be attended by three members of the Kuring-gai Chase Trust, and one representative each from the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, the Royal Motor Yacht Club, and the Pittwater Basin Defence Committee, with the Minister as chairman.
The secretary of the Pittwater Basin Defence Committee (Mr. D. White) said yesterday that although he and other members of the committee opposed the Trust's scheme they realised that the trustees were acting in good faith. PITTWATER BASIN. (1935, January 19).The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17128236
PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS. Pittwater Basin Discussed.
The Parks anti-Playgrounds Movement yesterday decided to co-operate in any solution of the problem of the alleged pollution of the 'Pittwater Basin, and to ask the trustees of the area to preserve and perpetuate the primitive beauty of the Basin.
The chairman (Mr. A. J. Small) said motor, boat owners and yachtsmen should suggest how the nuisance might be abated. There was no doubt that pollution occurred.
Mr. D. White (Pittwater Basin Defence Committee) said that the Basin was a refuge for yachtsmen and others, and the committee was opposed to its closure as suggested by the trustees. He understood that petrol pumps were to be erected, and Norfolk Island pine-trees were to be planted in the area, and his committee opposed that spoliation of the primitive beauty of the foreshore.
Mr. D. G. Stead said that, while pine-trees were very beautiful, they would be out of place at the Basin. PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS. (1935, February 14). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), , p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17160432
"The Basin Swimming pool Pittwater" - "Looking across water towards bushland rising in background, fence visible across surface of water." Title continues: "The fence is to keep the sharks out." [ca. 1928-1936].by Gladys E. Moss, 1900-1950, photographer. "The Basin; Pittwater" - Title inscribed on album page beneath image.- Courtesy State Library of Victori, Image No. :701711210
"Looking along water towards two men walking across wooden bridge". Inscribed on album page next to image: "The netting under the footbridge keeps the sharks from the bathing-pool on this side. The rock in the foreground is jagged with oysters." [ca. 1926- 1936].by Gladys E. Moss, 1900-1950, photographer. "The Basin; Pittwater" - Title inscribed on album page beneath image. Courtesy State Library of Victoria - also described as 'an inlet of Cowan creek' for Image No.: 701711211
Gladys E. Moss, 1900-1950, was a Sydney Mail photographer during the 1920's - we have shared some of her images in another page In Surf Life Saving Carnival Season: A Glance at Surf Carnivals in February 1909, 1919, 1925, a Fancy Dress Rise of Venus and Saving Lives with Surfboards
Surf Boat Convoyed by Sharks
Sydney, Feb. 18.— Twenty grey nurse sharks formed a convoy for an Avalon surf boat which was being rowed to Whale Beach late to-day. When a mile off the coast from Avalon, on their way to return the surf boat to Whale Beach, the three life-savers in the boat found themselves surrounded by the sharks They were without a harpoon or any other defence.
The sharks moved slowly and cruised with the boat for the full distance. Members of the crew said afterwards that they believed they made record speed. Surf Boat Convoyed by Sharks. (1948, February 20). Kalgoorlie Miner (WA : 1895 - 1950), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article95569748
NOVEL CAPTURE OF SHARK BY FIVE MONA VALE LIFESAVERS
TOP: Frank Spencer, of Mona Vale's junior surfboat crew, shows how he stunned a shark by jabbing an oar into its gill. Others in the boat from left are:John Windshuttle, Neil Mason, and Noel Mason.
BOTTOM: A lifesaver holds open the shark's jaws.
NOVEL CAPTURE OF SHARK BY FIVE MONA VALE LIFESAVERS. (1949, February 28). The Sydney Morning Herald(NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32153295
Used hands to catch shark
Left to right); Jim Campbell, Max Watt, Brian Sheehan, Geoff Gearside and Max McCredie. Photo: courtesy Norma Watt.
Lifesavers Catch Huge Shark
Avalon lifesavers yesterday caught a 12ft 800lb whaler shark which had been cruising off the beach during the holidays. It was caught on a line set from a buoy. Five lifesavers in a surfboat tied the line to the boat and, after fighting with the shark for half an hour, caught a wave to the beach. The shark had a two-foot jaw span.
The surf club exhibited it in a marquee. They collected £7 in donations, and then sold the shark as shark steak. The whaler is one of the species of Australian sharks known to attack humans.
The North Narrabeen club used shark repellent at their surf carnival yesterday. A boat towed a bag of copper acetate around the swimming area. No sharks were seen during the carnival. Lifesavers Catch Huge Shark. (1949, December 28). The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18145086