News & Alerts

• Cook Labor Government investing an additional $5 million to further strengthen WA's shark hazard mitigation measures
• More helicopter, beach and drone patrols across metropolitan and regional beaches
• Shark tagging to double, alongside 10 new Shark Monitoring Network receivers and a trial of new drone technology to enhance surveillance
• Cook Labor Government committed to keeping Western Australians safe

• Surf Life Saving Western Australia aerial patrols underway in Perth and South West
• Aerial surveillance a key part of Cook Government's shark hazard mitigation strategy
• Part of Cook Labor Government's commitment to keeping Western Australians safe

The start of this year’s salmon run along WA’s South and South-West coasts looks to be right on time for the Easter school holidays.

With holidaymakers hitting the beach for surfing, fishing and swimming – staying safe during the Autumn salmon run is important and avoiding the large schools of fish which can attract sharks, seals, sealions and dolphins inshore.

• Margaret River to receive a new shark monitoring receiver to boost safety for local surfers
• Receiver to be installed in time for Margaret River Pro
• Cook Government building safe communities

• New beach enclosure going in the water at Bathers Beach in time for summer
• Cook Government committed up to $500,000 to the City of Fremantle for the installation of the enclosure
• Download the SharkSmart WA app to stay informed
• Cook Government committed to building safer communities

• Cook Government investing $13.2 million towards Surf Life Saving Western Australia's (SLSWA) aerial and beach surveillance
• 2025/26 aerial patrols begin on 6 September and fly through until the end of April
• SLSWA is a key partner for WA's comprehensive shark hazard mitigation strategy

• Cook Government providing $300,000 over three years to support Surfing WA shark hazard mitigation initiatives
• Surfers Rescue 365 program to be expanded into regional areas and online
• SharkSmart education messages key part of WA’s shark hazard mitigation strategy

The annual run of Australian salmon schools along the WA coast during Autumn is a favourite time on the fishing calendar and comes with a reminder to put safety first.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) encourages all fishers to be aware of coastal safety, particularly in unfamiliar locations. 

Almost 1800 Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) signs are now in the ground along Western Australia’s coast from Esperance to the Pilbara, including the Swan River, boosting beach safety this summer. 

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will replace the three automated shark warning towers along the Esperance coast in the lead up to summer to enhance beach safety. 

DPIRD has been working with the Shire of Esperance to address technical issues with the local shark warning towers which are reaching their end of life, as well as discussing other cooperative arrangements to enhance shark hazard mitigation in the area.