Shark Incident – Ballina
7 Nov 2018
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) has identified a White Shark was responsible for the incident at Shelly Beach, Ballina this morning.
DPI shark biologists have measured the shark tooth imprints on the surfboard and believe the shark involved was a juvenile White Shark of around 2.6 metres in total length.
DPI is assisting NSW Police in responding to the incident, where a 43-year-old man who was surfing was bitten on his calf.
Ballina Council has made the decision to close all beaches in the immediate vicinity for 24 hours and Surf Life Saving NSW have deployed drones and jet skis.
The SMART drumline trial is continuing on the north coast, with 35 SMART drumlines deployed daily, weather permitting, between Evans Head and Lennox Head.
SMART Drumlines were deployed off Shelly Beach and adjacent beaches early this morning at around the time of the incident.
As part of the collaboration with Surf Life Saving NSW, drones are being trialled on the North Coast.
Real-time listening stations alert beach users about presence of tagged sharks on the North Coast. Stations on the North Coast are located off Lighthouse Beach (Ballina), Sharpes Beach (Ballina), Lennox Head, Byron Bay, Kingscliff and Yamba
DPI will continue to work with NSW Police, Surf Life Saving NSW and the community to determine what action should be taken to minimise ongoing risk.
DPI continues to work with other agencies including NSW Police Marine Area Command and Surf Life Saving NSW, and will continue to monitor the situation and provide any technical advice and resources if required.
Further information
Media contact: (02) 6391 3686
