The Whitsunday Charter Industry Boating Association has shared data captured by a Bioxpixel Oceans Foundation acoustic sounder located in Hook Passage.
Results and key messages below:
- The data shows it is clear that there are sharks moving through Hook Passage on a fairly regular basis currently, which suggests swimming and snorkelling should be avoided.
- Signs are in place advising people not to swim.
- Swimmers should continue to follow SharkSmart messages
- Don’t swim at dawn or dusk
- Always swim in clear water (not in murky water, anchorages, estuary mouths or canals)
- Don’t throw food scraps or fish waste overboard
- Don’t swim where fish are being cleaned
- Swim, surf, snorkel or dive with a buddy
- Follow local signage and swim between the flags at patrolled beaches.
Biopixel Oceans Foundation background:
- Biopixel Oceans Foundation in partnership with James Cook University commenced research into the prevalence and behaviour of sharks in Cid Harbour in December 2018 (co-funded by the Queensland Government and the Australian Government National Environmental Science Program).
Further information about the research is available here: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/shark-control-program/whitsunday-shark-response