Name: Bait ball off Byron Bay draws hundreds of sharks close to shore
Uploaded: 2025-12-10T06:32:24.280Z
Duration: 1 min 26 s
Description: A massive bait ball formed off Byron Bay, attracting hundreds of sharks and other predators as they circled and fed near the shore. Spectators gathered to watch, with some entering the water despite safety warnings from authorities.

A massive bait ball formed off Byron Bay, attracting hundreds of sharks and other predators as they circled and fed near the shore. Spectators gathered to watch, with some entering the water despite safety warnings from authorities.

Byron Bay

A massive school of fish, known as a bait ball, formed in the waters off Byron Bay, Australia, attracting hundreds of sharks and other predatory fish. Spectators watched as the predators circled and fed near the shore, with some people even entering the water despite warnings.

Experts cautioned that swimming or snorkelling with the sharks is dangerous, especially as such bait balls are expected to become more common during the warmer months. Additional sightings of sharks and marine life, including a whale, were reported at nearby locations, highlighting the abundance of marine activity in the area.

Bait ball off Byron Bay draws hundreds of sharks close to shore

It's said that art imitates life. Well, this was a site worthy of a painting. Wow! The crystal-clear waters at Byron Bay muddied black by a giant school of fish, the bait ball luring in hundreds of apex predators. Predators such as sharks, but also other predatory fish such as tailor, push them against the beach because it makes them easier to feed on because they have less chance of escaping. Amazed spectators watched from the sand as the sharks circled their prey for a feeding frenzy. Some people even daring to jump in the water with them. No, this is seriously unreal. So many big sharks. Swimming with them is not wise. Snorkelling with them is not wise. It's similar to trying to pitch a tent in Africa in a herd of zebras. An accident is going to happen. Shark expert Dr Daryl McPhee says we can expect to see more bait balls close to shore over Christmas. It has been happening more regularly during the warmer months from spring onwards. This video was captured at Brunswick Heads yesterday where a whale joined the hive of activity. And there was another shiver of sharks spotted at North Stradbroke Island. It's encouraging to see so much marine life and to really see nature doing its thing. But the warning to swimmers is clear. Don't tempt fate. Tiani Reid, 10 News.

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