News and Alerts

• 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 

Alert level:
A shark WARNING has been issued for waters between Big Rock Surf Spot and Ellensbrook Beach, near Gracetown, after an interaction with a shark at Lefthanders Surf Spot, which occurred Friday, was reported late today.

Update 1:45pm, 12 July 2018

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has advised that its Regulation 44 beach closure at Three Bears Beach, will expire today at 6pm and will not be extended. 

Caution is recommended at all times in these waters by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and it’s important that water users check SharkSmart's Activity Map or the Surf Life Saving Twitter feed before heading to their local beaches.

Shark sightings should be reported to Water Police on 9442 8600.

• 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

Alert level:
A shark WARNING has been issued for Gearys Beach, south of Mandurah, after an interaction with a shark 50 metres offshore was reported at 5pm this evening.

Alert level:
A shark WARNING has been issued for waters between Dunsborough Beach to Bunker Bay, near the town of Dunsborough, after an increased number of reported shark sightings.

Update on 25 April at 3.15pm:
An Augusta-Margaret River Shire ranger has erected shark warning signage at Prevelly. The beach has not been closed.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) advises additional caution by water users in this area.

Fisheries officers from DPIRD are continuing to patrol the area and have been advising water users of the increased shark risk.

Shark sightings should be reported to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Alert issued on 25 April:

Alert level:
A shark WARNING has been issued for Surfers Point at Prevelly, in the Augusta-Margaret River Shire, after an surfer was knocked off his board by a two metre shark, of an unknown species.

Update 2.50pm, 26 July 2018

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has advised that its Regulation 44 beach closure at Redgate Beach will expire today at 6pm and will not be extended. 

Caution is recommended at all times in these waters by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and it’s important that water users check SharkSmarts Activity Map or the Surf Life Saving Twitter feed before heading to their local beaches.

Shark sightings should be reported to Water Police on 9442 8600. 

Update on 26 April at 4.55pm: 

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has advised that its Regulation 44 beach closure between North Point and Ellensbrook, near Gracetown, will expire today at 6pm and will not be extended. 

Caution is recommended at all times in these waters by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and it’s important that water users check SharkSmart’s Activity Map or the Surf Life Saving Twitter feed before heading to their local beaches.

Shark sightings should be reported to Water Police on 9442 8600.