MARINE FAUNA
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA
MARINE FAUNA DEATHS
2004-22 : 18-YEAR SNAPSHOT
ANALYSIS
Recreating in the water involves the risk of interactions with dangerous marine fauna. Since 2004, a total of 64 marine fauna deaths have been recorded in Australia, 28% occurred while surfing and 25% while swimming/wading.
64 MARINE FAUNA DEATHS
0.02 AVERAGE RATE /100,000
KEY DEMOGRAPHICS
95% NONDROWNING RELATED
4
6
8
63% BEACH 67% >5KM FROM SLS Number (n) Rate/100,000 pop. 0
91% MALE 73% AUSTRALIANBORN 28% SURFERS Number (n) Rate/100,000 pop.
65% SHARK 25% RESCUED BY FRIENDS/FAMILY 2
0.03
0.02
0.01
10 0.00
0.04 2021/22 2020/21 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 2009/10 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 2004/05 4 4 4 5 5 6 10 5 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 0
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 2
25% 14% 31% 8% 16% 3% 3%
20% 50-59 YEAR OLDS 15-24 YEAR OLDS 23% DEATH TRENDS OVER TIME
The ocean is home to a diverse range of magnificent marine fauna including sharks, crocodiles, and marine stingers. Humans encounter these creatures both passively, when recreating in the water, and actively, seeking them out to either observe or for the purpose of recreational or commercial fishing.
The more we interact with coastal environments, the more likely we are to encounter marine fauna. While most human encounters with marine fauna are exciting and harmless, occasionally accidents or trauma can occur. When traumatic marine fauna events occur (e.g. shark bites), they are often sensationalised within the media. This can distort community risk perception regarding marine fauna relative to other marine hazards (i.e. rip current hazard), and contributes to a lack of understanding of how to safely recreate in the ocean.
While injury and fatality resulting from encounters with marine fauna are rare, especially when compared to the risk of other environmental hazards such as rip currents, it must be understood that recreating within the habitat of these creatures is not without risk. By observing trends in marine fauna-related mortality, we can gain a greater understanding of the risks involved in engaging with these creatures and provide guidance on how to recreate within these environments safely.
Between 2004 and 2022, a total of 64 marine fauna-related deaths have been recorded within Australia’s coastal (0-3 nautical miles from the shore), ocean (3-12 nautical miles from the shore), and sovereign water (12-200 nautical miles from the shore) environments. This equates to an annual average of four deaths, significantly lower than the 26 rip currentrelated deaths recorded on average each year. Two-thirds (65%) were shark-related, while 16% were crocodile-related. Western Australia recorded the greatest number of incidents (31%), followed by Queensland (25%), then New South Wales (16%). As with most coastal safety issues, males are a key
INTRODUCTION
demographic of concern, accounting for 91% of marine fauna deaths. Men within the young and middle age brackets (15-59) accounted for the majority of incidents (89%), with very few incidents occurring among those aged 0-14 or 60+ (11% combined). When broken down by activity, surfers* accounted for the greatest proportion of deaths (28%), followed closely by swimmers/waders (25%), then snorkellers (19%).
The greatest majority of marine fauna deaths were recorded in 2020/21 (16%, n=10), half of which were surfingrelated (n=5). This period coincided with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in many states, with people being encouraged to recreate outdoors and in areas away from others. Of all marine fauna deaths, two in three have occurred more than 5km away from a surf lifesaving service (67%). These factors serve to highlight the significant reduction in risk seen when recreating at patrolled locations.
Three-quarters of decedents were Australian-born (73%), and one-third lived locally to the incident location (33%), with a further 28% being nearby residents. This shows that familiarity with an area does not preclude individuals from being susceptible to its hazards. As such, individuals, regardless of their familiarity with an area, should always seek safety information from a reputable local source before entering the water.
One in four rescue attempts (25%) were performed by a family member, while 22% were performed by a member of the public (a.k.a. bystander rescuer). This is unsurprising given most marine fauna deaths occurred away from surf lifesaving services. While recreating at patrolled locations is advised, it is not always possible, therefore it is recommended that you go with at least one other person and be clear of your emergency plan in the unlikely event that something happens. If at an unpatrolled location be aware of
where emergency response equipment is located (i.e. emergency response beacon, defibrillator, first aid kit, shark attack kit) and ensure that you have a phone/radio or personal GPS response beacon with them to be able to call for help. Bystanders, usually family or friends, are often the first on the scene of these incidents, so accessible programs that teach members of the public how to respond to aquatic incidents, i.e. public-facing programs that provide opportunities to learn CPR and First Aid, will also provide an invaluable service to the community and help to save lives. This reveals how important it is that peak bodies and agencies liaise with each other to align education and communication messages. Exploring partnerships with hazard alert providers (e.g. Surf Alert, SharkSmart, Shark Watch, Crocwise) may serve to extend reach of safety messaging to high risk demographics or locations (i.e. young males and remote locations).
In this Coastal Safety Brief – Marine Fauna we explore the mortality relating to marine fauna, and the attitudes and risk perceptions within the Australian community. Interacting with coastal environments has inherent physical and mental health benefits and serves to foster a greater appreciation for natural environments and the species that live within them.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 1
*NB: For the purposes of this report, surfing deaths include one decedent each who were riding a bodyboard and a stand-up paddleboard, while the rest were using a surfboard.
MARINE FAUNA –DROWNING & FATALITY
2004-22 : CAUSAL ANALYSIS
64 DEATHS
91% MALE
9% FEMALE Shark 65% Beach 63%
>5km away from Surf Life Saving service
67%
63% AT A BEACH 22% INNER-REGIONAL AREAS 86% AT UNPATROLLED LOCATIONS
53% OCCURRED IN THE AFTERNOON (12-6PM)
2022 28% WHILE SURFING
31% OCCURRED DURING SPRING
16% CROCODILE SHARK 65% 59% BITE INJURY
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 3 WHO
WHERE
WHEN
SEPT-NOV
91% MALE 73% AUSTRALIAN-BORN 33% LOCAL RESIDENTS HOW
MARINE FAUNA DROWNING & FATALITY
2004-22 : CAUSAL ANALYSIS
KEY DEMOGRAPHICS
31% WESTERN AUSTRALIA 65% SHARKS
MARINE FAUNA DEATH TRENDS
A total of 64 marine fauna deaths have have been recorded in Australia since 2004, an average of four deaths per year (0.02/100,000 pop.). The highest number of deaths during this period occurred in 2021/22 (n=10, 0.04/100,000 pop.), while 2009/10 was the only year where no marine fauna deaths were recorded.
MARINE FAUNA DEATHS BY STATE
Overall, 65% of all recorded marine fauna deaths were shark related, while a further 16% were crocodile related. Almost one-third (31%) of incidents occurred in Western Australia, the majority of which were shark related (90%). A further 25% occurred in Queensland, 16% in New South Wales, and 14% in the Northern Territory.
INCIDENT WATER CLASSIFICATION
Nine out of ten marine fauna deaths were recorded in coastal environments (89%), followed by ocean environments (8%), then in sovereign waters (3%).
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 4
Rate/100,000 pop. Number (n) 0 2 4 6 8 10 2021/22 Annualaverage 2020/21 2019/20 2018/19 2017/18 2016/17 2015/16 2014/15 2013/14 2012/13 2011/12 2010/11 2009/10 2008/09 2007/08 2006/07 2005/06 2004/05 0.000 0.005 0.010 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035 0.040 Rate/100,000 pop. Annual average Grand total 4 5 3 2 1 0 3 6 5 4 4 3 2 1 3 3 10 5 4
4 AVERAGE DEATHS/YEAR 0.02 AVERAGE RATE/ 100,000 VIC TAS SA NT NSW QLD WA 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Percentage (%) Shark Crocodile Jellyfish Fish Stingray Sea snake Unknown 31 25 16 14 8 3 3 Sovereign water Ocean Coastal 89% COASTAL 89% 8% 3%
MARINE FAUNA DEATHS BY AGE BRACKET AND GENDER
The greatest proportion of marine fauna deaths were recorded among 15-19 year olds (14%). This age bracket also had the highest agespecific mortality rate (0.03/100,000 pop.). Males accounted for 91% of marine fauna deaths (n=58).
INCIDENT LOCATION DISTANCE FROM PLACE OF RESIDENCE
One in three decedents were local to the incident location (33%), followed by nearby residents (28%), then intrastate visitors (23%).
BIRTH CONTINENT
Birth continent is known for 86% of deaths. Of these, 73% were Australian-born, 15% born in Europe, and 7% born in Asia.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 5
North America
Oceania
Latin America LOCAL <10KM 33% RESIDENT 10 - 50KM 28% INTERNATIONAL VISITORS 3% INTRASTATE VISITOR >50KM 23% INTERSTATE VISITOR >50KM 3% INCIDENT LOCATION 9% UNKNOWN 0 3 6 9 12 15 85+ 80-84 75-79 70-74 65-69 60-64 55-59 50-54 45-49 40-44 35-39 30-34 25-29 20-24 15-19 10-14 5-9 0-4 Percentage (%) Rate/100,000 pop. Rate/100,000 pop. Female Male 0.000 0.005 0.010 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.030 0.035
7% Asia 15% Europe 2%
73% Australia 4%
0% Africa 0%
WHO
MARINE FAUNA DROWNING & FATALITY
2004-22 : CAUSAL ANALYSIS
INCIDENT LOCATION CATEGORY
Beaches are the leading location for marine fauna deaths (63%), followed by offshore (17%), then bay locations (11%).
INCIDENT DISTANCE FROM A SURF LIFE SAVING SERVICE
Two-thirds of all marine fauna deaths (67%) occurred more than 5km away from a Surf Life Saving service.
REMOTENESS CLASSIFICATION OF INCIDENT LOCATIONS
Most deaths occurred in inner-regional locations (22%) followed by very remote areas (19%), then equally in major cities and remote locations (17% each).
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 6
O FF S H OR E 22 % INNER-REGIONA L 17% MAJOR CITIES OUTER - RE G IONA L 17% REM OT E VE R Y REM OT E 14% 11% 19%
Percentage (%) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 > 5 km 1 - 5 km < 1 km 14 67 19
Port/Marina River/Creek Rock/Cliff Bay Offshore Beach 63% BEACH 63% 17% 11% 5% 3% 2%
WHERE
INCIDENT MONTH
Most marine fauna deaths were recorded in spring (32%), followed by summer (26%).
INCIDENT TIME
Marine fauna deaths predominatly occur throughout the daylight hours with 53% occuring in the afternoon (12pm-6pm), and 42% in the morning (6am-12pm). Time of death is unknown for 8% of cases, which were excluded from analysis.
MARINE FAUNA DEATHS BY ACTIVITY
Over one-quarter of recorded incidents occurred while the decedent was surfing (28%), while 25% occurred while swimming/wading, and 19% while snorkelling. *NB: For the purposes of this report, surfing deaths include one decedent each who were riding a bodyboard and a stand-up paddleboard, while the rest were using a surfboard.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 7
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Unknown Other Land-based Fishing Scuba Diving Boating Snorkelling Swimming/Wading Surfing* Percentage (%) 28 25 19 11 9 2 5 2 Percentage (%) 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 5 10 15 20 25 12-2am2-4am4-6am6-8am8-10am10-12am12-2pm2-4pm4-6pm6-8pm8-10pm10-12pm 15 24 14 20 19 3 0 3 6 9 12 15 Jun May Apr Mar Feb Jan Dec Nov Oct Sep Aug Jul Percentage (%) 8 9 13 8 11 9 6 11 6 6 9 3 Winter Spring Summer Autumn Winter WHEN
MARINE FAUNA DROWNING & FATALITY
2004-22 : CAUSAL ANALYSIS
DROWNING VS. FATALITY
Drowning was the primary cause of death in 5% of incidents while the remaining 95% were classified as other coastal fatalities.
*Classification of drowning vs. fatality based on primary COD.
CAUSE OF DEATH
Bite injuries were a contributing factor in three out of five deaths (59%), while drowning was a factor in 16%, and envenomation in 13%. The cause of death is unknown in 20% of cases.
* Sum is greater than 100% as some cases listed multiple causes of death.
MARINE FAUNA TYPE
Sharks accounted for two-thirds of all marine fauna deaths (68%), followed by crocodiles (16%), then jellyfish (6%).
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 8
Drowning Fatality 95% 5% 95% NON-DROWNING FATALITIES
Percentage (%) 59 16 13 3 20 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Unknown Other trauma Envenomation Drowning Bite injury Percentage (%) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Sea snake Stingray Unknown Fish Jellyfish Crocodile Shark 65 16 6 5 3 3 2
HOW
RESCUED BY
One in four rescue attempts were performed by a family member/friend (25%), while a further 22% were performed by a member of the public. The body was not recovered in 25% of cases.
DECEDENT ALONE
The majority of incidents occurred while the decedent was in the presence of at least one other person (83%), while in the remaining 17% of incidents, the victim was alone.
HELICOPTERS WERE USED IN 1 IN 5 MARINE FAUNA RESCUE
RESPONSES
EQUIPMENT USED
Boats were used in one-third of marine fauna rescue responses (34%), while helicopters were used in 22%, and surfboards in 17%.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 9
0 5 10 15 20 25 Body not recovered Unknown Other Lifeguard/Surf lifesaver Police Other emergency service Member of public Family/Friend Percentage (%) 25 22 8 8 25 6 3 3 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Percentage (%) No, with organised activity 8 No, with strangers 11 Yes 17 No, with friends/family 64 5 8% RWC 11 17% SURFBOARD 14 22% HELICOPTER 22 34% BOAT 14 22% NONE 7 11% UNKNOWN 2 3% OTHER
HOW
MARINE FAUNA HAZARD PERCEPTION
Higher-risk demographics for marine fauna fatality (i.e. younger beachgoers, men) generally perceive marine fauna to be less hazardous compared to those in lowerrisk demographics (i.e. older beachgoers, women). For example, while both male and female hazard perception of marine fauna has increased over the last four years, males consistently rate marine fauna as less of a risk than females. In addition, individuals in younger age brackets are more likely to perceive marine fauna as less of a hazard compared to those in older age brackets.
The degree to which marine fauna are perceived as hazardous also varies geographically, generally depending on their prevalence and the number of fatal incidences within a state. Crocodiles and tropical marine stingers are perceived as the greatest threat by individuals in the Northern Territory and Queensland, aligning with where these creatures’ habitat and the number of fatal incidences that occur in these states. Similarly, sharks are perceived to be of the greatest threat in Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia.
Marine fauna are generally rated as less hazardous than rip currents. This is a reasonable perception as rip currents are one of the most significant causal factors in coastal fatalities, contributing to at least 22% of coastal drowning deaths (National Coastal Safety Report 2022). However, the degree to which individuals perceive waves to be hazardous – a hazard that is encountered much more frequently and is a known causal factor in many coastal injuries and deaths – is much lower than individuals’ perceptions relating to marine fauna. While it is warranted to have concern relating to marine fauna hazards, the degree to which these creatures pose a risk to individuals should be understood contextually within the broader scope of marine hazards (e.g. rip currents, waves, etc.).
MARINE FAUNA & COASTAL HAZARDS RATED VERY/EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS
Even though rip currents remain the highest rated coastal hazard by Australian adults, the perception of marine fauna as coastal hazards is increasing. Tropical marine stingers are rated as the most hazardous within the different marine fauna categories (73% in 2022), while the biggest change in hazard perception between 2018-22 can be seen with sharks and crocodiles (10% increase). In general, fewer adults rate waves as very/extremely hazardous (42% in 2022).
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 10
Percentage (%) 78 81 67 73 60 70 60 70 57 63 39 42 3% 6% 10% 10% 6% 3% 0 20 40 60 80 100 Waves Other Marine Stingers Sharks Crocodiles Tropical Marine Stingers Rip currents 2022 2018
GENERALLY, TROPICAL MARINE STINGERS ARE RATED MORE HAZARDOUS THAN SHARKS AND CROCODILES
HAZARD PERCEPTION BY GENDER
Females perceive all types of marine fauna to be more hazardous than males.
HAZARD PERCEPTION BY AGE
Australians aged 70+ generally perceive marine fauna to be more hazardous, followed by those aged 50-69 years. Adults aged 25-34 have the lowest overall hazard perception of marine fauna.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 11
55 60 65 70 75 80 16-24 YEAR OLDS 25-34 YEAR OLDS 35-49 YEAR OLDS 50-69 YEAR OLDS 70+ YEAR OLDS 71 60 70 63 68 59 65 67 69 61 70 72 77 66 70 78 76 68 73 HIGHER HAZARD PERCEPTION LOWER HAZARD PERCEPTION Very/Extremely hazardous (%) 40 50 60 70 80 Other Marine Stingers Sharks Crocodiles Tropical Marine Stingers Percentage (%) 75 70 73 71 68 70 73 66 70 67 59 63 Female Male Total
MARINE FAUNA SHARKS
2.44
HAZARD PERCEPTION OF SHARKS BY GENDER
Between 2018-22 the hazard perception of sharks as very/extremely hazardous has generally increased. While a 10% increase in male perceptions has been recorded, females continue to perceive sharks to be more hazardous than males.
1,390
41% SURFING
2018 (%) | 2022 (%)
HAZARD PERCEPTION OF SHARKS BY STATE
Hazard perception of sharks as very/extremely hazardous has increased for all states (except the Northern Territory which remained consistent). Western Australia recorded the largest change between 2018-22 with an increase of 21%.
HAZARD PERCEPTION OF SHARKS BY ACTIVITY & FREQUENCY
During 2021/22, seven in ten frequent surfers perceived sharks as very/extremely hazardous compared to only four in ten frequent scuba divers. In general, more occasional activity participants perceive sharks as hazardous compared to frequent participants, except for surfers and PWC riders.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 12
AVE. DEATHS/YEAR 0.011 MORTALITY RATE/ 100,000 POP Female Male Percentage (%) 56 66 64 73 2022 2018 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 70 70 69 67 69 69 69 65 63 60 77 59 68 56 64 41 62 63 Percentage (%) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
RockFishing Swimming
Land-basedFishing PWC Surfing Occasional Frequent 61|67 60|72 57|78 55|65 61|61 63|72 61|68
ScubaDiving Watercraft Snorkelling
Boating
AVE. SHARK ALARMS/YEAR
MARINE FAUNA CROCODILES
30% BOATING
HAZARD PERCEPTION OF CROCODILES BY GENDER
Between 2018-22 the hazard perception of crocodiles as very/ extremely hazardous has generally increased. There has been a 9% increase in perceptions of both males and females but, females continue to perceive crocodiles to be more hazardous than males.
HAZARD PERCEPTION OF CROCODILES BY STATE
Hazard perception of crocodiles as very/extremely hazardous has increased for all states (except the Northern Territory which has seen a decrease of 7% from 2018). Tasmania recorded the largest change between 2018-22 with an increase of 12%.
HAZARD PERCEPTION OF CROCODILES BY ACTIVITY & FREQUENCY
During 2021/22, seven in ten frequent boaters perceived crocodiles as very/extremely hazardous compared to one in two frequent watercraft users. In general, more occasional activity participants perceive crocodiles as hazardous compared to frequent participants.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 13
0.56 AVE. DEATHS/YEAR Female Male Percentage (%) 59 68 71 2022 2018 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 62 70 70 70 66 66 69 69 72 74 74 65 56 56 53 52 51 71 71 Percentage (%) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Watercraft ScubaDiving Snorkeling PWC RockFishing Surfing Land-basedFishing Swimming Boating Occasional Frequent 60|69 66|74 54|63 53|65 88|81 60|66 60|71 2018
2022
0.002 MORTALITY RATE/ 100,000 POP 42 AVE. BEACH CLOSURES/YEAR
(%) |
(%)
MARINE FAUNA
TROPICAL MARINE STINGERS
0.22
100% SWIMMING/WADING
1.9% REPORT BEING STUNG BY A TROPICAL MARINE STINGER
HAZARD PERCEPTION OF TROPICAL MARINE STINGERS BY GENDER
Between 2018-22 the hazard perception of tropical marine stingers as very/extremely hazardous has increased. While a 5% increase in both male and female perceptions has been recorded, females continue to perceive tropical marine stingers to be more hazardous than males.
HAZARD PERCEPTION OF TROPICAL MARINE STINGERS BY STATE
Hazard perception of tropical marine stingers as very/extremely hazardous has increased for all states. Victoria has recorded the largest change between 2018-22 with an increase of 7%.
HAZARD PERCEPTION OF TROPICAL MARINE STINGERS BY ACTIVITY & FREQUENCY
During 2021/22, 84% of frequent PWC riders perceived tropical marine stingers as very/extremely hazardous compared to 69% of frequent scuba divers. In general, more frequent activity participants perceive tropical marine stingers as hazardous compared to occasional participants, except for rock fishers, snorkellers and scuba divers.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 14
AVE. DEATHS/YEAR
MORTALITY RATE/ 100,000 POP. Percentage (%) 65 70 70 75 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Female Male 2022 2018 Percentage (%) 0 20 40 60 80 100 ScubaDiving Snorkeling RockFishing Surfing Swimming Boating Land-basedFishing Watercraft PWC Occasional Frequent 84 69 80 73 79 75 79 76 76 71 75 72 74 77 72 77 69 81 66|70 76|79 61|66 67|73 86|88 64|67 66|73 2018
0.001
(%) | 2022 (%)
MARINE FAUNA
OTHER MARINE STINGERS
40,128
AVE. RECORDED STINGS/YEAR
1 in 6
PEOPLE
68% REPORT BEING STUNG BY A BLUEBOTTLE
87% WERE STUNG WHILE SWIMMING/WADING
2018 (%) | 2022 (%)
HAZARD PERCEPTION OF OTHER MARINE STINGERS BY GENDER
Between 2018-22 the hazard perception of other marine stingers as very/extremely hazardous has generally increased. While a 8% increase in male perceptions has been recorded, females continue to perceive other marine stingers to be more hazardous than males.
HAZARD PERCEPTION OF OTHER MARINE STINGERS BY STATE
Hazard perception of other marine stingers as very/extremely hazardous has increased for all states. Western Australia recorded the largest change between 2018-22 with an increase of 11%.
HAZARD PERCEPTION OF OTHER MARINE STINGERS BY ACTIVITY & FREQUENCY
During 2021/22, seven in ten frequent PWC riders perceived other marine stingers as very/extremely hazardous compared to almost six in ten frequent surfers. In general, more frequent activity participants perceive other marine stingers as hazardous compared to occasional participants, except for swimmers, rock fishers, boaters and watercraft users.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 15
Percentage (%) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Watercraft ScubaDiving Snorkeling PWC RockFishing Surfing Land-basedFishing Swimming Boating Occasional Frequent 69 67 65 62 61 61 61 59 59 59 58 58 47 60 64 64 59 55 53|58 55|64 51|62 68|69 67|70 61|63 63|68
REPORT BEING STUNG BY A MARINE STINGER
Percentage (%) 51 59 62 67 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Female Male 2022 2018
TARGET AUDIENCE
MARINE FAUNA
TARGET DEMOGRAPHICS & BEHAVIOUR CHANGE
15-24 & 50-59 YEAR OLD MALES
SWIMMERS/ WADERS SNORKELLERS
SURFERS
BEHAVIOURS OF CONCERN
65% of Australians do not always swim/wade at patrolled locations during patrol hours
44% of Australians do not always check safety signs before going swimming/ wading
18% surfers and 8% swimmers/waders will disregard beach closed signage and still enter the water
29% of people do not seek coastal safety information
DESIRED BEHAVIOURAL CHANGE
Swim between the red and yellow flags at a patrolled location
Plan to stay safe using local, real time surveillance and alert services
Check and follow safety signage and swim/surf in designated safe areas
Don’t swim/surf alone or between dusk and dawn
TRUSTED AUTHORITIES TO DELIVER SAFETY ADVICE
Lifeguards/Surf lifesavers/ Coastguards Bureau of Meteorology/ Weatherzone/Surf Alerts
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 16
Government Authorities e.g. Fisheries CoastalWatch/Surfline
TO REACH THE TARGET AUDIENCE Online Tablet/Smartphone TV Radio
HOW
Ensure
Ensure
Know
Plan
PLAN LOOK STOP
safety advice and local alert services
that the ocean is the home of marine fauna
Check
Respect
you are wearing appropriate gear
what to do in an emergency
to go with a friend
someone of where you are going and when you plan to return
Advise
you have a phone/radio or know where to find one
safety signs/ warnings
Stop. Look. Plan. Find out more about Marine Fauna at beachsafe.org.au
For
MARINE FAUNA SAFETY
MARINE FAUNA FACTSHEETS
For more information on dangerous marine fauna visit beachsafe.org.au for individual fact sheets or a combined factsheet booklet.
SHARKS
beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/sharks
CROCODILES
beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/saltwater-crocodiles
TROPICAL MARINE STINGERS
beachsafe.org.au/sur f-safety/tropical-stingers
MARINE STINGERS
beachsafe.org.au/sur f-safety/marine-stingers
BLUE-RINGED OCTOPUS
beachsafe.org.au/surf-s afety/blue-ringed-octopus
CONE SHELL
beachsafe.org.au/sur f-safety/cone-shell
BLUEBOTTLE
beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/bluebottle
BOX JELLYFISH
beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/box-jellyfish
IRUKANDJI
beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/irukandji
JIMBLE
beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/jimble
LITTLE MAUVE STINGER
beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/little-mauve-stinger
MORBAKKA
beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/morbakka
LIONFISH
beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/lionfish
SEA SNAKES
beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/sea-snake
SEA URCHIN
beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/sea- urchin
STINGRAYS
beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/sting-ray
STONEFISH
beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/stone- fish
BLUBBER
beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/blubber
SNOTTIE
beachsafe.org.au/surf-safety/snottie
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 18
REFERENCES
METHODOLOGY
The Coastal Safety Brief – Marine Fauna contains information on community behaviours and attitudes towards broad categories of marine fauna; marine fauna-related drowning deaths and other fatalities that have occurred along Australia’s coastline over the 18-year period of 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2022. Data is from multiple sources and was correct as of 26 September 2022. All care is taken to ensure the statistical information included within this report is correct. However, pending the outcome of ongoing coronial investigations and as SLS state/territory entities update their operational information, this data may be amended. Data is figures may not always add up to 100% due to rounding. Mortality rates were calculated using the number of deaths divided by the population (per head of 100,000 people) from Australian Bureau of Statistics. Sting rates were calculated by dividing the average number of marine stings (tropical or other) by the number of marine stinger sightings (as recorded In SLSAs Surf Guard Database).
Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Report 2022
The Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Report (NCSR) is published annually and contains information on Australian community behaviours and attitudes to the coast; SLS capability and membership capacity; rescues and emergency response; and coastal drowning deaths. The NCSR2022 presents statistics from the period of 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2022. For the report click here
The data presented in the Coastal Safety Brief: Marine Fauna 2023 extended this period, and included longitudinal analyses from all marine fauna deaths (drowning deaths and other fatalities) that have occurred between 1 July 2004 to 31 June 2022 to explore causal factors over time are also included.
Surf Life Saving Australia’s National Coastal Safety Survey
The annual Surf Life Saving Australia National Coastal Safety Survey (NCSS) collects Information about community swimming ability, behaviours and attitudes to coastal safety, risk perceptions, safety strategies and rescues . The survey is conducted by OmniPoll Market Research and is run online each April among a nationally representative sample of approximately 3,052 respondents aged 16 and older. The study is carried out in compliance with ISO 20252 - Market, Social and Opinion Research. To reflect the population distribution, survey results are postweighted (on age, gender, geographic strata and education and projected to Australian Bureau of Statistics data1. The data presented in the Coastal Safety Brief: Marine Fauna 2023 has been derived from data extracted from multiple surveys (NCSS2018 - NCSS2022). Data illustrated in figures may not always add up to 100% due to rounding.
REFERENCES
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2022) Quarterly Population Estimates (ERP), by State/Territory, Sex and Age [Data Explorer beta TableBuilder], accessed 10 October 2022.
© 2022 Surf Life Saving Australia
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Acknowledgements
SLSA wishes to thank: the Australian Government: Department of Health; National Coronial Information System: Leanne Daking & Jessica Bryan; Department of Justice and Community Safety; the Magistrates Court of Tasmania: Coronial Division; Omnipoll: Frederic Anne; SLS state centres, branches, clubs, support operations and ALS; Melissa Conchar: design.
Suggested Citation
Cooper B, Kelly S, Toiron V, Daw S & Lawes J (2023) Coastal Safety Brief: Marine Fauna. Surf Life Saving Australia: Sydney.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 19
Adult For the purpose of this report, adult refers to a person 16 years of age and over.
ALS Australian Lifeguard Service.
Antivenom A medicine that can undo the effects of venom.
Bay A body of water partially enclosed by land but with a wide mouth, affording access to the sea.
Beach A wave-deposited accumulation of sediment –usually sand, but ranging in size up to boulders, deposited between the upper swash limit and wave base.
Blackspot An area where incidents are concentrated and a high probability/risk of ongoing recurrence.
Boating Using either a powered vessel or sailing boat for recreation and/or fishing. Bystander A person who is present at an incident but not part of it initially.
Camouflage How animals blend in with their environment to help them hide from predators or prey.
Carnivore An animal that only eats meat.
Coastal Describes the foreshore, seabed, coastal water and air space above a large body of water (harbour/bay/inlet), including areas up to 3nm offshore and of which the landward boundary is the line of mean high water, except where that line crosses a river/ inlet, the landward boundary at that point shall be the point upstream that is calculated by multiplying the width of the river/inlet mouth by five. (Adopted from the Resource Management Amendment Act 1993 New Zealand).
COD Cause of death.
Crevice A crack in a rock.
Crocodile Large semiaquatic reptile that lives within tropical waterways.
Crude drowning rate A comparative rate of mortality to the size of the population for a given area or activity.
Drowning The process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion/ immersion in liquid; outcomes are classified as death, morbidity and no morbidity.
Drowning death A fatal drowning incident arising from the process of respiratory impairment as a result of
GLOSSARY
submersion/immersion in liquid.
Emergency response An action taken by an SLS entity in response to a call for assistance from an emergency management organisation.
Envenomation The name given to the injection of venom (the poisonous secretion of an animal) into a person’s body, usually by a bite or sting.
Falls (trips/slips) Events that result in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or other lower level.
Fatality A fatal incident arising from circumstances other than drowning (eg., medical condition, injury, self-harm, marine creature).
First Aid Assessments and interventions that can be performed by a bystander (or by the patient) with minimal to no equipment.
Hazard A source of potential harm.
Incident Any unplanned event requiring lifesaving services intervention.
Inshore The coastal water area within 500m of the low tide area of the foreshore. International Describes an individual who is confirmed to reside overseas and/or is a temporary visitor to Australia.
Iridescent Very brightly coloured and shiny.
IRD Incident report database. A webbased portal used by SLS services to electronically record incident reports. Jetty An artificial structure that projects out into the water from land.
Jump(ing) The activity of launching off a cliff, rock platform, pier, jetty. A.k.a tombstoning (UK/Europe/North America). Land-based Fishing The act of attempting to catch fish from anywhere except coastal rock platforms.
Lifeguard An individual who undertakes patrols at a beach or another aquatic environment. He/she is typically a salaried member, qualified in public safety and aquatic rescue.
Lifejacket A buoyant or inflatable garment or device designed to keep a person afloat in water and increase their likelihood of survival.
Lifesaving Service A coordinated group that exists to provide aquatic safety services to the public. This includes Surf Life Saving Clubs, Lifeguards, SurfCom, RWCs, RIBs, JRBs, ORBs, Rescue Helicopters and 4WD units.
Local Government Area (LGA) Also known as local councils, LGAs include cities, towns, shires, municipalities or boroughs. Marina A man-made boat basin having sea walls or breakwaters and offering dockage and other services for water vessels.
Marine fauna Macro-organisms (mostly animals) that live within marine systems (e.g., fish species including sharks and rays, estuarine crocodiles, blue-ringed octopus, jellyfish species, sea snakes, etc.).
Medical For the purpose of this report, medical refers to an aquatic incident that was caused by a medical episode, e.g., a heart attack or epileptic seizure. Nausea A sick feeling in your stomach. NCIS National Coronial Information System.
NCSS The National Coastal Safety Survey conducted annually to gather information about Australian coastal participation, swimming ability, risk perception, behaviours and attitudes to coastal safety. Non aquatic fatality Non-aquatic fatalities refer to non-drowning related incidents which have occurred at a coastal location but not in the water.
Non aquatic transport Any form of transport that is not meant for the water such as airplanes, bicycles, and motor vehicles.
Numbness When a part of your body loses feeling.
Offshore Describes the coastal water area beyond the surf zone and inshore area from 500m to 200nm.
Ocean The seabed, water and air space above the water between 3nm and 12nm (the Australian Territorial Sea) offshore. Other An uncommon known activity not otherwise listed (e.g., paragliding, jogging).
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 20
Other Marine Stinger Include jellyfish species whose stings, while painful, are not associated with Irukandji syndrome.
Paralysis A medical condition that stops you being able to move.
Patrol Service undertaken to monitor activities in/around an aquatic environment and respond accordingly through either preventative actions or rescue operations.
Patrol flags Red and yellow horizontally divided flags which are set after performing a risk assessment to determine the most suitable area for swimming. The flags identify a zone for swimming and bodyboarding within a patrolled location. Patrolled location A location supervised by a surf lifesaving service.
Patrol hours Time periods when flags are raised and beach is actively patrolled. Minimum lifesaving service times are determined at both the local level (clubs, branch/council) in conjunction with state SLS bodies.
Patrol season Incorporates lifesaving services provided on weekends and public holidays for a minimum duration as outlined in individual Lifesaving Service Agreements. E.g. First day of Spring school holidays to the last Sunday of Autumn.
Predators Animals that hunt other animals for food.
Pressure Immobilisation Bandage A first aid technique where you wrap the whole arm or leg (wherever the bite is) firmly in a bandage. This can slow down the spread of venom throughout the body.
Preventative action Direct action taken to reduce or eliminate the probability of a specific rescue, first aid or other reportable incident from happening in the future.
Prey An animal that gets eaten by a predator.
Puncture To make a hole by piercing or poking with something sharp.
PWC Personal water craft, also known as jet ski.
Reflex An involuntary or automatic response.
Rescue The retrieval of a person in distress, delivering them to a place of safety and the application of first aid and basic life support as may be required.
Resuscitation Prevention or restoration of life by establishing and maintaining a person’s airway, breathing and circulation. Rip current A seaward flowing current of water moving through a surf zone.
River A natural stream of water flowing into an ocean, lake or other body of water. Rock/Cliff A rock platform that may or may not have a high steep face.
Rock Fishing The act of attempting to catch fish from a coastal rock platform . Rock shelf A section of rock above or below the water level that projects out from the coast.
Scuba Diving Swimming underwater with the aid of scuba equipment for recreational or commercial purposes.
Shark A group of fish characterised by a cartilaginous skeleton.
Shock A life-threatening medical condition where not enough blood reaches all the parts of your body and they can’t function properly.
Snorkelling Swimming with a snorkel and face mask. Includes freediving and spearfishing.
Sovereign waters The seabed, water, and air space above the water between 12NM and 200NM (the Australian Contiguous, Exclusive Economic and Fishing Zones) offshore.
Species A group of animals that look and act in similar ways.
SurfCom SLS radio communications centre that assists in managing the communications of lifesaving operations and data collection.
Surf lifesaver An individual who undertakes patrols at a beach or other aquatic environment. They are typically a non-salaried member qualified in public safety and aquatic rescue.
Surf Life Saving Club A SLS affiliated notfor-profit organisation that has volunteer members who provide coastal safety services to the community.
Swimming Moving through water by moving the body or parts of the body.
Territorial seas The seaward limits of Australia’s maritime zones, from the coastline to 12nm from the low tide line. Toxicity The degree to which a chemical substance or a particular mixture of substances is toxic or poisonous to an organism. In the context of this report, toxicity refers to alcohol or drug use by a patient.
Toxin A poison produced by an animal. Unintentional fatality Deaths other than drowning deaths (such as medical incidents, injury, accidents, or marine creature), excluding homicide and self-harm related incidents.
Tropical Marine Stingers Jellyfish species associated with Irukandji syndrome and require more specific treatment due to the likelihood of fatality due to envenomation.
Venomous Describes an animal that is able to inflict a poisoned bite, sting or wound.
Wading Walking through water while partially immersed.
Watercraft A piece of non-powered recreational equipment used in water. Examples include surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, bodyboards, windsurfers or kayaks.
SURF LIFE SAVING AUSTRALIA COASTAL SAFETY BRIEF – MARINE FAUNA 21
Surf Life Saving Australia Ltd Level 1, 1 Notts Ave, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026 Australia P.O. Box 7773, Bondi Beach, NSW 2026 www.sls.com.au