# Shark fisherman warns rising catches could make Australian swimming unsafe within a decade

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/aussie-beaches-could-be-too-dangerous-to-swim-at-within-years-due-to-rising-shark-numbers-shark-catchers-chilling-prediction/
- Published: 2026-10-27T04:09:14+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-27T04:17:16+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16238329/Aussie-beaches-dangerous-swim-years-rising-shark-numbers-Shark-catchers-chilling-prediction.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Americas, World

## Key points

- A shark fisherman predicts ocean swimming may become unsafe within a decade.
- He reports catching more and larger sharks.
- A shark expert says the prediction lacks evidence.

## Summary

Shark fisherman Joel Nancarrow has warned that Australians may be unable to swim safely in the ocean within a decade, arguing that shark numbers and sizes are increasing. His prediction follows four attacks reported along the NSW coast within 48 hours in January, including the fatal attack on 12-year-old Nico Antic.

Nancarrow says he caught 34 sharks this year, compared with 14 last year, and that their average weight has risen from about 130kg to 250kg over a decade. He is calling for expanded commercial fishing, but Bond University expert Dr Daryl McPhee says there is no evidence to support the forecast and describes NSW and Queensland’s shark-bite prevention measures as world-leading. NSW has 37 listening stations that alert beachgoers when tagged sharks are detected near popular swimming and surfing areas.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.