News & Alerts

• Consultation guides preferred option for SMART drumline trial off Gracetown
• The non-lethal drumlines are expected to be deployed in early 2019
• Strong community support for extension of Shark Monitoring Network to Gracetown

• Community feedback welcomed on non-lethal SMART drumline trial and extension of Shark Monitoring Network in Gracetown area
• Community to decide locations of SMART drumlines and satellite-receivers 
• Online consultation opens today until October 10, 2018

Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly is inviting the community to go online and have their say about the non-lethal SMART drumline trial in Gracetown and extension of the Shark Monitoring Network in the Capes region. 

• McGowan Government funds $3.4m for beach patrols this season
• Aerial patrols form part of WA’s comprehensive shark mitigation strategy
• Formal community consultation on SMART drumline trial set to start 
• McGowan Government to extend shark monitoring network in the South-West 

• Beach Emergency Numbers will help save vital time in critical incidents
• More than 1,000 BEN signs are planned for WA's coast from Geraldton to Esperance
• McGowan Government delivers on election promise to support local governments to improve beach safety 

• McGowan Government will conduct a non-lethal SMART drumline trial in WA's south-west
• The trial will be subject to independent scientific assessment to determine its effectiveness 
• An independent review to be conducted by Chief Scientist Peter Klinken 

• Subsidy on Ocean Guardian Surf+ personal shark deterrent now available in stores
• University research shows the device, even in extreme circumstances, significantly reduces the risk of shark interactions
• An additional $200,000 added to subsidy program for a further 1,000 devices

• Ocean Guardian Surf+ personal shark deterrent added to subsidy program after independent testing
• University research shows the device, even in extreme circumstances, significantly reduces the risk of shark interactions
• An additional $200,000 added to subsidy program for a further 1,000 devices

• University research shows the Ocean Guardian Surf+, even in extreme circumstances, significantly reduces the risk of shark interactions by at least 60 per cent
• McGowan Government calls on NSW Government to release the final university report into shark deterrent effectiveness
• Subject to the final report, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has recommended the Surf+ device be added to the personal shark deterrent subsidy program 

• McGowan Government provides SLSWA about $350,000 to extend daily aerial service to 27 May, 2018
• Commonly patrols finish at the end of April, after the school holidays
• A bumper salmon run and the biggest mass whale stranding in 10 years is believed to be contributing to higher sightings of large marine animals, including white sharks

• Keep the sand between your toes this Easter and fish from the beach
• Safety should be foremost in mind at all times, no matter where you fish
• Do not take risks rock fishing, especially if you are inexperienced or cannot swim