Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Bull Shark Closes Sydney’s Bungan Beach as Manly Netting Faces Scrutiny

The closure highlights stepped-up monitoring alongside a review of harbour enclosures after a dusky shark was filmed inside Manly’s net.

Overview

  • Surf Life Saving NSW detected a bull shark by drone at Bungan Beach around 12:40pm, prompting lifeguards to evacuate swimmers and close the beach.
  • A decomposing 2.5‑metre dolphin carcass with apparent bite marks lay near the shore, which authorities and witnesses said likely drew the shark in.
  • Photographer Cameron Bloom posted video of the scene and said a lifeguard pulled him from the water after warning that a shark was circling close to the beach.
  • In a separate incident, a 1.2‑metre dusky shark was recorded inside the swimmers’ side of a protective gill net at Manly, raising concerns about enclosure integrity.
  • Shark policy expert Chris Pepin‑Neff said netted pools remain the safest harbour option but can fail, noting council‑led audits, calls for standardisation, and unresolved funding questions for maintenance.