Business as usual at Exmouth after shark, crocodile and Irukandji incidents

The picturesque Ningaloo and Exmouth coasts are best known for swimming with whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays and turtles, as visitors head north to escape the southern winter. 

But recently, the region has been plagued with reports of crocodile sightings, shark bites and Irukandji stings — so, is there something in the water?

Late last year Exmouth residents reported sightings of crocodiles and great white sharks, while earlier this week two people were hospitalised with Irukandji syndrome after swimming in Ningaloo Marine Park.

Irukandji jellyfish are known for their stings, causing severe pain, nausea and vomiting.

Two people were stung by Irukandji jellyfish in one day in northern WA earlier this week.  (Supplied: Jess Strickland)

Irukandji expert and Giffith University PhD candidate Jess Strickland said whether there were more Irukandji around the Ningaloo was up for debate.

“It’s a bit of a tricky one,” she said.

“Mainly because we’ve only just started paying attention and studying them in this part of the world, so there are no long-term data sets.”

Ms Strickland is studying Irukandji at Ningaloo reef, with the hope of increasing the understanding of the species to inform public safety. 

She said that while reporting had increased, it did not mean the danger had.

“Anecdotally … there are more reported sightings,” she said.

“But is that because there are more people in the water, more awareness about Irukandji jellyfish and Irukandji syndrome, and a slightly better reporting system? 

“Or does it represent a genuine increase in their presence in the area? We don’t know.”

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Ms Strickland said warming waters were contributing to marine species experiencing shifting distributions, concerning researchers that stinging jellyfish on the WA coast were moving south.

Business as usual

Exmouth local Rusty Ellis volunteers in marine rescue and spends as much time as he can on the water.

When asked if he had witnessed more Irukandji in recent years, Mr Ellis was resolute.

“No, there’s no sort of increase, per se,” he said.

“If there’s a bit of warm water, like we had this year, that comes down from up north, there’s a good chance it’s going to be bringing the Irukandjis down with it.

“With the increased population and the increased numbers of the people swimming out there … more people in the water, there’s more chance of an interaction.

“If you think about what you’re doing and take the right precautions when there’s a need to, you’ll have the best experience.”

The Ningaloo Reef is a popular spot for tourists and researchers.  (Supplied: Minderoo Foundation/Carly Keech)

Exmouth’s local population has grown from about 2,400 people in 2011 to just over 3,000 in 2021, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics census.

The local population triples at the height of the tourist season and the area is a popular school holiday destination.

What do locals think of crocodiles and sharks?

When it comes to crocodiles and sharks, Mr Ellis said the Parks and Wildlife Service had “done a pretty good job of sorting them out”.

“There’s thousands of sharks out there and they don’t very often have interactions with the public,” he said.

“There’s that much other food out there for them that people really don’t taste that good.”

Mr Ellis’s message to others is simple.

“Just don’t be silly.”