Great White Shark Stalks River Mouth

November 3, 2004

Release from: Bethany Dortmans
Merimbula News (Australia)

A White Pointer Shark has been spotted at the Pambula River mouth twice in the last two weeks by Eden fisherman and pilot Gary Warren.

Mr Warren said he first saw the 11-foot White Pointer, also known as Great White Shark, from his aircraft two weeks ago.

Last Saturday, Mr Warren spotted what he assumes was the same shark, at the same location.

"It was halfway between Old Man Rock and the Point of Haycock," Mr Warren said.

"It was following a school of salmon swimming up the river.

"Yet when the salmon entered the river, it turned and headed back in the direction of the Pambula Surf Life Saving Club," he said.

Mr Warren said he would be keeping his eye on the shark as he flies his aircraft every second day.

He said it was strange for a shark to be located in that area, especially over such a period of time.

"White Pointers, which are constantly swimming, usually go from seal colony to seal colony," he said.

"There is no seal colony at the Pambula River mouth that I am aware of.

"My assumption is, that there has been enough food in the Pambula Beach area to keep it around."

Mr Warren said the shark was 'very fat' and appeared to be well-fed.

"Hopefully it has been fed enough and won't touch anyone," he said.

The shark was swimming an estimated 100 metres from the shore, according to Mr Warren.

"Its fin sticks out about one foot, or 18 inches," he said.

"It would be a bit of a scare for those surf skiers getting around."

Mr Warren said he assumed, and hoped, the shark would migrate south out of the rivers, following the salmon.

He has alerted the Pambula Surf Life Saving Club and other authorities about the Great White.

A protected species, the White Pointer Shark is considered the most dangerous shark in the world.