Shark Attack Spike: Fourth Incident in 48 Hours Hits New South Wales

A surfer was injured in a shark attack on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, marking the fourth such incident along the state's coastline in just 48 hours. The surge in attacks has prompted the closure of all beaches in Sydney's northern area until further notice, according to police.

The 39-year-old surfer "sustained a wound to his chest" after a shark bit his board on Tuesday morning, police said. He was later released from the hospital. This attack follows three other incidents in Sydney over the preceding two days.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the increased shark activity. NSW Superintendent Joseph McNulty had earlier suggested that recent heavy rains may have created a "perfect storm environment" for sharks. Experts suggest the rains introduce nutrients into coastal waters, potentially attracting sharks closer to shore.

The series of attacks has raised concerns about changing marine ecosystems and prompted discussions on enhanced safety measures. Some are exploring the potential of AI-driven predictive models to forecast shark activity. The situation underscores the complex interplay between environmental factors and wildlife behavior.