Dozens of Sharks Feed Near Snapper Rocks Gold Coast Beach

A large group of sharks was observed in a feeding frenzy near the popular Snapper Rocks surf break on Australia's Gold Coast, surprising spectators with their proximity to shore despite the presence of shark nets and lethal drumlines offshore. The sharks, likely bull sharks from a nearby nursery in the Tweed River, were attracted by a giant bait ball—a dense school of fish that confuses predators—highlighting a natural ecological event. Experts note that shark nets do not fully prevent sharks from coming close to beaches and that such feeding frenzies are part of a healthy marine ecosystem, though they raise concerns about the effectiveness of current shark control measures. The sighting has reignited debate over shark control programs, especially following incidents like the death of a humpback whale entangled in nets and recent shark bites in the region. Locals and scientists alike emphasized the importance of recognizing these events as natural behaviors rather than immediate threats, while some surfers and fishers remained cautious around the activity. This event underscores the complexity of managing human and wildlife interactions along popular coastal areas.