Environmental protection of Sydney's beaches and harbor has created a cleaner marine environment, but is attracting sharks closer to shore chasing fish, say marine experts, after two shark attacks in two days. Fishermen say shark numbers are on the rise, but marine scientists say while there have been more sightings it is unclear whether there are more sharks off Sydney. A shark almost severed a surfer's arm in an attack just before dark at Sydney's famous Bondi Beach Thursday. The first attack at Bondi since 1929. A navy diver was attacked in Sydney Harbor near the Opera House Wednesday, losing his hand and he may lose his leg. New South Wales state Primary Industries Minister Ian MacDonald said Friday he would order a survey of shark numbers off Sydney, after the attacks and as a result of more sightings. “I think you'll find that the protective measures that have been put in place by governments in recent years have halted the decline of many species of sharks,” MacDonald said on Friday. “Coupled with some improved environment conditions, plus a reduction in fishing efforts in parts of the state, would mean shark numbers could enhance,” MacDonald told local radio. “The reports I am getting from people spotting sharks, there seems to be a build up in sharks in the estuaries, as well as along the ocean shore,” he said. Patrols increased, Bondi Closed Many shark species, including the Great White, are protected in Australian waters. There are 30 sharks, including the Great White, on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's threatened species list. Beach rescue helicopter patrols were increased along Sydney's beaches Friday and Bondi Beach was closed for the morning, but some surfers still ventured out into the waves. “Shark sightings have increased, particularly in the past five to six years,” said Harry Mitchell who conducts aerial shark patrols over Sydney's beaches. Mitchell said cleaner ocean waters had made it easier to spot sharks from the aerial patrol. “Shark sightings do not necessarily mean shark numbers have increased,” he said. Bondi Beach lifeguard Bruce Hopkins said sharks regularly swam into Bondi, despite shark nets aimed at protecting swimmers. “We usually get all types of sharks come through Bondi. We get hammerheads and the grey nurse ... with the occasional tiger or bull shark. It's nothing out of the ordinary,” he said.
