News & Alerts

Alert level:
A shark WARNING has been issued for the waters between Kilcarnup and North Point, in the Shire of Augusta - Margaret River, following a recent reported shark bite incident and another shark sighting in the area.

Update on 16 April at 4.25pm:

Officers from Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) have assessed the whale and deemed today's weather conditions unfavourable for its removal .

Fisheries officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development are currently assisting DBCA in developing a plan with a view to attempting a removal, as soon as weather conditions permit.

Surfers, divers and swimmers are advised to say out of the water in the Gracetown area, between North Point and Ellensbrook.

Alert issued on 16 April 2018:

Alert level:
A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported at Lefthanders near Gracetown in the Shire of Margaret River.

Fisheries officers are currently investigating a reported shark incident at Cobblestone Surfing Spot near Gracetown.

Situation:
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has received reports that a surfer has received injuries after being bitten shark prior to 8am this morning. 

Fisheries officers are currently investigating a second reported shark incident today, this time at Lefthanders Surfing Spot near Gracetown.

Situation:
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has received reports that a surfer has received injuries after being bitten by a shark at about 2.30pm this afternoon.

Update on 20 April at 5.10pm: 

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) has amended its Regulation 44 closure for the Hamelin Bay area to allow parts of Foul Bay and Boranup to reopen. 

This is a result of recent inspections of the remains of whale carcasses in the Hamelin Bay area. 

The two areas that will remain closed will be the area from the shoreline to two kilometres out to sea between Contos Springs and south of Boranup North Point at the intersection of Grace Road and the second area between White Cliff Point, south of Hamelin Bay, to Foul Bay South East

The latest inspections revealed there are six remaining pilot whale carcasses between Contos and Foul Bay and unfortunately the decomposition is proceeding slower than expected.

The areas still subject to the DBCA Regulation 44 notice will remain closed until Tuesday 24 April at 6pm, at which time a further assessment will be carried out.

Shark sightings should be reported to Water Police on 9442 8600 

Update on 5 April at 7.05pm:

Caution is advised at this location, because residues from the whale may have leaked where the carcass came ashore and they could be an attractant to sharks.

Department of Biosecurity, Conservation and Attractions officers removed the carcass yesterday.

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

Alert issued on 3 April 2018:

Alert level:
A shark ADVICE has been issued, due to a whale carcass being reported on the beach, north of Joeys Nose at Kilcarnup in the shire of Margaret River.

Update on 2 April at 1.20pm:

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions officers have removed the beach closed signage at Redgate Beach and replaced it with shark hazard signage.

Additional caution is still advised, as any residue from where the carcass was beached may still attract sharks to the area.

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

• 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 

Update on 9 April at 4.35pm:

Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) have today confirmed beaches will remain closed from Cosy Corner to Bobs Hollow until 4.30pm Monday 16 April when the situation will be again reviewed.

The Section 44 notice which formally closes waters from Hamelin Bay to Bobs Hollow between the shoreline and two kilometres out to sea has also been extended until 16 April by DBCA.

A number of whale carcasses have not yet been removed from the area (see prior updates), and the decomposing carcasses may attract sharks.

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

Western Australia’s autumn salmon run is almost here and water users are urged to take care.

Schools of salmon are commonly spotted, between early-mid March and late April, along the sheltered bays and rocky headlands of the South and West coasts. While the annual event is keenly anticipated by recreational fishers who love the thrill of capturing the aerobatic, fast swimming, WA salmon, the schools of fish can also attract larger predators.