A South Coast indigenous fisherman and surfer has warned locals and visitors to Eurobodalla National Park to keep safe, after he had a close encounter with a white pointer shark, also known as a great white shark, at Potato Point on Wednesday afternoon.
Walbunja man Wayne Carberry had headed down to Potato Point just after lunchtime on Wednesday, to pick up some salmon from a fisherman friend, when out on the rocks, a massive white pointer emerged from the water.
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Shark in the shallows
Video shows a close encounter between a fisherman and a white pointer shark at Potato Point on the NSW South Coast.
Mr Carberry, quick with his camera phone, was able to capture the moments when the shark rose and thrashed about in the water just metres from his feet near the rocks at the well-known local fishing spot.
While he has been an amateur fisherman and competitive indigenous surfer for many years, he said it was the first time he had ever seen a white pointer in the flesh.
"I've seen plenty of reef sharks over the years, and I've seen big thresher sharks in the water while diving, but never seen a white pointer, especially around here," Mr Carberry said.
"The shark hung around for about four and half hours after that, which was very unusual, normally they get a feed of fish and are on their way, but it seemed to be lurking around the rocks and patrolling along the beach, probably looking for fish as there were heaps of fish around."
While political debate about shark attacks has centred around whether or not to cull sharks, or put up electronic or physical barriers to protect beach-goers, Mr Carberry urged people against interfering with the apex predators of the sea.
"Right back into the dreamtime stories a lot of it (indigenous culture) has had to do with respect for the animals, a lot were totems for people from all around Australia," he said.
"The simple thing is to look back in time and get more appreciation for them and not so much fear, they are part of the beautiful cycle that we have and I think they need to be respected a bit more."
"To me it's just another amazing animal that is smart and intelligent - we all know that they are a part of nature and if we go into the water, really we enter at our own risk."
Mr Carberry, who initially posted the video on social media, said his biggest concern was to let family and friends know about the shark and ensure they kept safe.
"I'd say that especially when you're fishing around the risk, you need to make sure the weather is okay and you need to be aware of just how dangerous it can be - if you know nothing about the water, it can take your life," he said.
"I'm a qualified surf instructor, so most of what I talk about is safety and awareness and whether its rips or dangerous currents, it all comes down to safety and being aware of any potential dangers."