News & Alerts

Update on 10th February 2021 11:50am

Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) have successfully removed the whale carcass from Shelley Beach.

It is possible that residue from the carcass will continue to act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close in to shore along this stretch of coast.

DPIRD Fisheries advise taking additional caution in the Shelley Beach 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.

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a Dolphin carcass being reported at Rockingham Beach in the City of Rockingham.

Update 31st January 2021 5:45pm

DPIRD Fisheries Officers have inspected the whale carcass this morning 31st January and it continues to decompose slowly.

The remains consist of the head (only) from a large Sperm Whale.

The carcass will be left to decompose naturally due to it being already highly deteriorated and in a remote location with little access to the beach at Taylor Boat Harbour.

DPIRD Fisheries Officers will continue to monitor the situation and update SharkSmart as necessary.

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.

Update 31st January at 10:00am

The Shire of Augusta -Margaret River have reopened the beach between Huzza's Car Park and Cowaramup Boat Ramp at Gracetown.

DPIRD recommends additional caution at Cowaramup Bay beach and surrounding 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.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are currently investigating a possible shark bite incident at Gracetown in the Shire of Augusta -Margaret River.

Update on 29th January 2021 2:39pm

Rangers from the City of Busselton and Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have successfully removed the whale carcass from Meelup Beach.

The beach remains closed by Surf Life Saving WA and the City of Busselton until 9 am tomorrow morning 30th January 2021.

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.

Update on 28 January 2021 at 12:37 pm

DPIRD recommends additional caution from Bunker Bay to Meelup Beach in the Cape Naturaliste area due to increased shark activity.

A tagged white shark has been detected multiple times between the 26th of January and the 28th of January 2021. 

There have also been shark sightings from the Surf Life Saving Helicopter in the area recently.

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

Water users are urged to adhere to local beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers and Surf Life Saving WA. 

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. 

Update on 16th January at 7:00am

The beaches between Bicton Baths and Point Walter in the City of Melville and the beach at Chidley Point in the Town of Mosman Park have now been re-opened.

Fisheries Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) will continue to conduct patrols in the Blackwall Reach area during today. 

DPIRD recommends additional caution at Blackwall Reach and the surrounding 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.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are currently investigating a possible shark bite incident at Blackwall Reach in Bicton.

Update on 6th January 2021 at 11:11am

The Shire of Capel have now reopened Peppermint Grove Beach south of Bunbury.

Additional caution is recommended by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development as residues from the 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.