News and Alerts

Update on 21 November at 11.05am

Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have re-inspected the whale carcass previously reported at Little Long Point, West of Walpole. The carcass is slowly decomposing with approximately 150kilograms of the carcass remaining.

Shark warning signs remain in place.

It is anticipated the predicted swell and high tides over the coming weekend may assist to further break down the remains.

A further inspection will be conducted early next week.

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

Update on 16 November at 5.30pm

Scientific testing on a tooth fragment, taken from one of the wounds received by the surfer in Sunday’s shark bite incident at Pyramids Beach, has revealed the species involved as the grey nurse shark (Carcharias Taurus).

DNA identification was used to assess the tooth fragment. 

Due to their generally docile nature, grey nurse sharks are not a target species for shark mitigation programs in Australia. 

More details about grey nurse sharks are available on SharkSmart’s species ID section: https://www.sharksmart.com.au/species/#22

It’s not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Western Australian coast throughout the year, so people should be aware in the marine environment and bring their Sea Sense to the beach at all times. 

View the latest reported sightings and tagged shark detections before you hit the water.

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

• McGowan Government enhances comprehensive shark mitigation strategy
• Independent Scientific Advisory Panel on Sharks established to provide expert advice 
• McGowan Government partners with Surfing WA to improve surfer safety 
• SharkSmart app in development to help beachgoers use their Sea Sense 

Alert level:
A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported at Kangaroo Point beach in the Nambung National Park near the town of Cervantes.

Update on 7 November at 12.30pm

Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have successfully removed the whale carcass from Swanbourne Beach.

Water users are advised to remain cautious in this area, due to the potential carcass residues that may continue to attract sharks.

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

Alert level:
A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale and dolphin carcass being reported at Trigelow and House beaches, both being to the north of Bremer Bay in the Shire of Jerramungup.

Update on 26 October at 12.56pm

Fisheries officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development are continuing to monitor a bronze whaler shark, which has been detected numerous times by the West Beach Shark Monitoring Network receiver. 

This shark has been detected more than 270 times over the period 25 September to 26 October 2018.

The Shire of Esperance has installed signage at West Beach requesting that water-users use caution.

It is not uncommon for sharks to be off the WA coast at any time of year and this detection period at West Beach is within the spectrum of behaviour previously observed for bronze whaler sharks at other receiver locations.

It is possible that the frequency and duration of the recent detections may increase the likelihood of encountering a shark in this area.

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

Update on 26 October at 12.30pm

Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have successfully removed the whale carcass from the north side of Garden Island.

The DBCA officers attended earlier this morning and completed the removal by 11.00am.

Water users are advised to remain cautious in this area, due to the potential residues that may continue to attract sharks.

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

Alert level:
A shark ADVICE has been issued, due to a report of a shark interaction with a surfer at Guillotines Surf Break approximately three kilometres north of Cowaramup Bay in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.

• 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