Three large schools of fish converged into one giant bait ball. Source: Lee Bollom/Batuti Photos
An epic natural event was documented off one of Australia’s most popular beaches over the weekend. Mesmerising images show dark clusters of millions of fish contrasting against the crystal blue waters.
Professional Sydney photographer Lee Bollom watched as three separate schools swam into shallow waters at Sydney’s Manly Beach before they merged into one mega-bait ball. “It was drifting up and down the beach which was cool,” he told Yahoo News.
Bollom was looking out the window of his ninth-floor apartment window when first noticed the fish swamping the beach just before 1 pm on Sunday. Describing the spectacle as “amazing” he added, “I just loved the magic of it… to have it so close to your doorstep is pretty cool.”
Because smaller fish are known to attract large predators, swimmers and surfers were ordered to vacate the waters for several hours as temperatures soared above 30 degrees. Concerned about the safety of beachgoers, Bollom immediately began using his drone to scan the coastline for sharks.
“There were smaller fish being eaten by bigger fish, but I didn’t see any sharks. They could have been there, because bait balls are always the first warning sharks could turn up,” he said.
Swimmers were ordered out of the water at Manly Beach on Sunday. Source: Lee Bollom/Batuti Photos
Why are bait balls dangerous for swimmers?
Shark bites are rare in waters around Sydney, and by taking simple precautions beachgoers can ensure this continues. Humane Society International marine biologist Lawrence Chlebeck explained to Yahoo News it’s important to be educated about environmental factors that attract predators.
“We do know that if a bait ball is in the area, if birds are feeding, if dolphins are jumping, if there’s action on top of the water, those things that attract sharks,” he said.
Bait balls of this immense size are rarely seen at Manly Beach. Source: Lee Bollom/Batuti Photos
Lifeguards were seen patrolling Manly Beach after the bait balls were sighted. Source: Lee Bollom/Batuti Photos
Chlebeck thinks it’s important to remember that sharks aren’t looking for people to bite, as they’re not a natural prey species.
“They’re looking for bait balls close to shore. If you think about the open ocean, it’s hard to herd any school of fish, but if they’re close to the coastline it’s a prime feeding opportunity for sharks, dolphins and diving birds,” he said.
“The predators that feed on these fish are going to be active, they’re going to be excited, and they’re going to be looking for a feed. So it’s smartest if we just stay out of the way.”
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