Massive three-metre tiger shark caught near popular Gold Coast beach
A huge three-metre tiger shark has been caught on a drum line on the Gold Coast overnight.
The large apex predator became entangled in the drum line and did not survive.
The shark was located at Snapper Rocks- a popular surfing and swimming beach- only a few hundred metres away from surfers.
7 News understands the shark will be processed at sea.
The current water temperature is approximately 25.8 degrees making conditions ideal for large sharks to enter into regions near popular beaches.
The large predators follow bait schools into the shallow waters as they typically prefer water that is clear and warm.
Today’s tiger shark is the biggest that has been caught in weeks.
Last week the water on the Gold Coast was cooler due to a strong winds resulting in the water temperature dropping to around 19.4 degrees, acting as a deterrent to sharks in the region.
Drum lines have proven to be highly controversial with Michael Kennedy from the Humane Society International telling ABC radio late last year that: "This is in our view a big PR exercise that will not make the beach safer but will threaten other wildlife".
The famous Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast is also regularly frequented by Aussie surfing superstar Mick Fanning.
Last year the Australian world surfing champion miraculously escaped injury after being attacked by shark during an elite tour event in South Africa.
In scenes that have been described as the most scary and dramatic in professional surfing's history, Fanning was attacked by what appeared to be attacked by a shark while competing in the final of the Jeffreys Bay Open.
The 33-year-old had just taken to the water and was yet to catch a wave when the extraordinary events unfolded.
As he waited in the water at the top of the world-renowned point break, Fanning was rocked from his board as the sharks could be seen thrashing around him.
Despite initial fears Fanning could have been mauled in the attack, he was whisked from the water by an emergency patrol vessel that had raced to the scene after being stationed further down the point.
Remarkably, the three-time world champion escaped practically unscathed - only his leash and his board showing any signs of damage.
News break – February 12
