Full Story What’s behind the Sydney shark attack cluster?
Jan 21, 2026
Nour Haydar chats with Christopher Pepin-Neff, an associate professor specializing in shark-bite politics. They dive into the alarming cluster of shark attacks in New South Wales, discussing the environmental factors like heavy rainfall and sewage overflows that draw sharks closer to shore. Pepin-Neff contrasts bull sharks with great whites, shares insights on climate change's role in altering shark patterns, and emphasizes the ineffectiveness of traditional shark nets. He advocates for public education to improve swimmer safety and offers crucial tips for shark encounters.
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Unusually Rapid Cluster Signals Shared Cause
- Four shark bites in 48 hours is unusually rapid and likely signals a shared environmental cause.
- Clusters of bites often reflect extreme local conditions, not random chance.
Why Bull Sharks Enter Harbors After Rain
- Bull sharks are midsize mesopredators that enter low-salinity waters like estuaries and harbors.
- They thrive after heavy rain because freshwater mixes with saltwater, boosting baitfish and attractants.
Rain, Sewage and Temperature Combined
- Heavy rainfall, sewage overflow, murky water and correct temperatures combined to concentrate baitfish and sharks.
- An additional attractant (e.g., a stirred-up sardine run) likely amplified shark activity this week.
