A dolphin died after being mauled and killed by bull sharks on popular tourist beaches in Northern Sydney.
Lifeguards were on alert on Shelly and Manly beaches as many tourists were expected due to the Open Surf Classic surf life-saving event.
According to the Guardian's latest news, beachgoers were alerted after footage discovered two bull sharks nearby.
Shark attack and dolphin death
The report said that the incident happened in the morning on Saturday (7:00 a.m.), Surf Life Saving New South Wales (SLSNSW) added.
The incredible sight of the dolphin became sad after aggressive bull sharks rallied to the injured dolphin.
Based on the images, the dolphin suffered five bite marks, which later died.
Before sharks mauled the dolphin, the report explained that it was found with injuries found on its tail.
The sharks' presence and the attack resulted in the cancellation of the event and the beaches' temporary closure.
Furthermore, BBC News reported that the SLSNSW was actively monitoring possible sharks around the area, adding that the injured dolphin became a target for the sharks.
Meanwhile, the SLSNSW said that no person was reportedly injured. Lifeguards immediately cleared the people after spotting the two sharks.
The presence of dolphins, sharks
Coast of Jupiter, Florida on February 12, 2022
Coast of Jupiter, Florida on February 12, 2022
Based on World Wildlife Fund (WWF), about 36 reported species of marine dolphins swim in the world's oceans.
Dolphins are fast animals, and it is not common that sharks could catch them unless they are sick or injured.
Dolphins are also social animals, but their species encounters threats globally.
WWF explained that dolphins suffer from noise pollution, including whales. The activity of ships nearby could impact the communication systems of dolphins and could unfold stressful situations for them.
Meanwhile, they also suffer from fishing gear entanglement. Recently, AP News and Nature World News reported the deaths of healthy Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia.
With the declining population, experts and conservationists called for urgent law enforcement measures to conserve and protect the said dolphins from threats.
Also Read: Sharks, Rays Declining Population Raises Concerns Over Impact on Ecosystems, Coastal Communities
In addition, the officials in Cambodia implemented conservation zones that could protect the population of Irrawady dolphins. Fishing nearby is also disallowed.
On the other hand, The Guardian reported the declining population of sharks caused concerns due to a possible extinction crisis.
According to the research published in Nature Communications, overfishing is considered the main threat to sharks' global population.
Did you know?
- According to the Treehugger, Bull sharks have cocky and aggressive in the ocean. The scientific name is called Carcharhinus leuca . Unlike other sharks living in marine habitats, the report said that bull sharks have amazing ways to thrive in freshwater and salt water.
- Dolphins are considered intelligent aquatic animals that are around the world! They are also very known for being fast sprinters, WWF said.
Related Article: Conservation Zones To Help Mekong River Protect and Save Endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins in Cambodia
For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature News.