News & Alerts

Update on 28 November at 4pm

Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have inspected the whale carcass, which remains above the high tide line on Salmon Beach, near Windy Harbour.

Shark warning signs are in place in the area. 

Additional caution is recommended by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development as the slowly decomposing whale carcass may attract sharks to the area.

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.

• ​4,000 scientifically proven personal shark deterrent subsidies claimed by ocean users
• Device sales have grown as a result of the digital marketing campaign

• The McGowan Government is doing more than ever to help keep you safe at the beach
• Free SharkSmart WA app now available to check your local beach conditions
• Ocean users encouraged to use the app and switch on their Sea Sense to keep safe this summer

Update on 16 October at 11:50am

Officers from Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions have assessed the whale carcass at Bruboodjoo Point near Coral Bay and have removed the Regulation 44 closure notice this morning. 

It is possible the residues of the whale may continue to act as a shark attractant.

Beach users are encouraged use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600

Update Sunday 6 October at 2.40pm.

Officers from the departments of Primary Industries and Regional Development and Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have carried out an on-water patrol of the area where a whale carcass was reported offshore from Peppermint Grove Beach, near Capel and south of Bunbury, but have been unable to locate it.

An SLSWA helicopter patrol over the same area has also not been able to sight the reported carcass.

In the meantime, the we urge water users to apply additional caution in the Peppermint Grove Beach area and we ask people to report any new sightings of this or other whale carcasses or sharks. 

Whale carcass and shark sightings should be reported to Water Police on 9442 8600. 

Update on 26 September at 5:00pm

Officers from Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions have assessed the whale carcass at Wedge Island near Lancelin and have removed the Regulation 44 closure notice this afternoon. 

It is possible the residues of the whale may continue to act as a shark attractant.

Beach users are encouraged use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600

Update on 23 September at 10:15am

System maintenance affecting the Shark Monitoring Network receiver located at Cottesloe Beach has been successfully completed.

The Shark Monitoring Network is now fully operational. 

Bring your Sea Sense to the beach. Stay informed of the latest detections and sighting information by checking the Shark Activity Map on the SharkSmart website – www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity or the Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – twitter.com/SLSWA.

The Shark Notification System forms part of a range of shark hazard mitigation strategies in place.  See www.sharksmart.com.au for additional information.

• $1 million committed for 5,000 rebates for scientifically proven personal shark deterrents since May 2017
• About 3,800 rebates have so far been claimed by local ocean users
• World-first program offers $200 subsidy on scientifically proven devices

Update on 14 September at 5:00pm

Fisheries Officers from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development have inspected the whale carcass at Point Samson today and have observed the carcass has suffered heavy predation from sharks. 

The parts of the carcass that were below the waterline are mostly gone, however some parts of the whale remain on the shore. 

It is possible the residues of the whale may continue to act as a shark attractant and the beach is to remain closed until further notice.

Beach access is permitted within the closure area, but swimming or entering the water is prohibited.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Update on 11 September at 2:15pm

Contractors and staff from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have removed the Humpback Whale carcass which was located at the southern end of Garden Island. 

The carcass was towed to shore and is now being lifted in sections into industrial skip bins and transported to landfill. It will be completely removed by the end of the day.

Residues will potentially remain for a few days and may act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close in to shore along this stretch of coast.

Bring your Sea Sense to the beach. Stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.