Updated at 4:14 p.m., Monday, November 5, 2007
Public warned murky water may attract sharks
Advertiser Staff
Recent heavy rains may increase the presence of sharks in near-shore waters, state officials said, and people are being warned to stay out of potentially dangerous areas."The rains we're experiencing wash a lot of material from streams into the ocean," said Laura H. Thielen, Department of Land and Natural Resources chairwoman, in a news release. "This may include dead animals and stream fish weakened by exposure to salt water, which will attract sharks. Also, the murky water conditions found near stream mouths are known to increase the chances of people getting bit by sharks."
In addition to the increased risk caused by heavy rains, the time of year may also warrant extra caution, the release said.
Officials said more people are bitten by sharks during the months of October through December than at other times of the year, even though fewer people are in the water.
"We're not sure exactly why that happens, but generally rainier weather may have something to do with it. For centuries native Hawaiians have known about the increased risk at this time of year," said DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources education coordinator Randy Honebrink.
DLNR recommends that the public follows these safety tips to avoid problems with sharks:
For additional information, visit www.hawaiisharks.org.
