The beach is a tempting haven for swimmers, but lurking beneath the surface near fishing piers are potentially dangerous sharks, attracted by fishermen.
Fishing piers create an inadvertent feeding ground for sharks due to bait, fish discards, and chumming practices:
- Bait and Blood: Fishermen’s bait and fish blood attract sharks with their extraordinary sense of smell.
- Fish Discards: Unwanted fish tossed into the water become shark bait, drawing them closer.
- Chumming: Some fishermen use chum to lure fish, inadvertently attracting sharks as well.
Swimming close to fishing piers can be perilous:
- Close Encounters: Attracted by bait, sharks may swim near piers, increasing the chance of encounters.
- Unpredictable Behavior: Sharks’ behavior can be unpredictable in the presence of swimmers, potentially leading to defensive reactions.
- Mistaken Identity: Due to splashing, sharks may mistake swimmers for prey, leading to bites.
Enjoy the water safely:
- Heed Warnings: Respect warning signs indicating shark activity near piers.
- Stay Informed: Keep tabs on recent shark sightings and incidents.
- Avoid Pier Areas: Stay clear of fishing pier zones during active fishing.
- Use the Buddy System: Swim with a companion; sharks are less likely to approach groups.
Swimming near piers can be enticing, but it’s vital to understand the risks when fishermen are nearby. With awareness, respect for warnings, and sensible precautions, we can safely enjoy the ocean while preserving our safety and the sharks that call it home.
View the below video to see how many sharks were surrounding the pier in Pensacola Beach, Florida.