What’s Happening?
Redlands bayside communities have limited shark alerts because local beaches are absent from Queensland’s shark control equipment list. Cleveland, Victoria Point, Wellington Point and Redland Bay have no listed nets, drumlines or surveillance drones.
Against this backdrop, the free Dorsal app gives residents another way to share and receive local shark information. Founded by former professional surfer Sarah Beardmore, the platform allows anyone to submit sightings with photos or videos.
Dorsal verifies each report before publishing it across its apps, website and social media pages.
Why It Matters
Moreton Bay is widely known as bull shark territory, where residents regularly boat, fish and swim. The absence of listed shark control equipment therefore leaves a clear information gap across the Redlands bayside.
Verified and timely sightings help people understand reported shark activity before deciding whether to enter the water. The same reports can give authorities a clearer view of information shared by the community.
Dorsal states “Our mission is to reduce risk while simultaneously supporting human and shark coexistence.”
Local Impact
That role became clear at Raby Bay on 28 August 2026, when a bull shark was filmed from shore. The footage was shared through Dorsal, showing how community reports can add local detail to broader monitoring.
Residents using Cleveland, Victoria Point, Wellington Point, Redland Bay and nearby islands can access these verified reports. For areas without listed nets, drumlines or surveillance drones, this creates another source of local awareness.
By The Numbers
- Dorsal was founded in 2015 after several fatal shark attacks highlighted gaps in public reporting.
- The free app has grown to 750,000 users across Australia since its launch.
- Dorsal was Australia’s second most downloaded free sports app last summer, behind only the Australian Open.
Zoom In
Alongside its current service, Dorsal is rolling out smartwatch alerts for swimmers and surfers who remain in the water. The platform is also accepting reports from recreational drone operators, which could widen the range of available sightings. Dorsal says both developments are firsts within the shark reporting category.
The Dorsal system includes a public website, desktop content management system, web scanning and alert modules. It also supports iOS and Android apps, including Dorsal and Dorsal GPS, alongside its social media feeds.
Dorsal describes the service as the world’s most advanced shark reporting and alert solution.
Zoom Out
Dorsal’s origins followed several fatal shark attacks, when public sightings failed to reach the wider community in time. People had reportedly seen sharks of the same species and size only hours before the incidents.
Since then, Dorsal has combined public reports with information from officials, aerial surveillance partners and media outlets. After verification, reports appear simultaneously across its apps, website and social media channels.
The service now covers Australia, mainland United States, Hawaii and Reunion Island.
What To Look For Next?
Smartwatch alerts could give Redlands swimmers and surfers access to reports without leaving the water. At the same time, recreational drone submissions may increase coverage around Moreton Bay and its islands.
If local use continues, bayside communities could receive a steadier flow of verified shark information.
