Swimmer Shark activity map
Sea Sense

Switch on your Sea Sense.
Read more

Alerts

Latest shark advice and warnings.
Read More

Light ray Light ray Light ray Light ray Light ray Light ray Light ray
Bubbles Bubbles Bubbles Bubbles Bubbles Bubbles Bubbles Bubbles Bubbles Bubbles

News & Alerts

Back to News & Alerts
Shark Advice for Flat Rock Beach and Ledge Islet Beach, East of Windy Harbour

Shark Advice for Flat Rock Beach and Ledge Islet Beach, East of Windy Harbour

12 August 2019

Update on 12 August at 11:20am

Officers from Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have attend the area where two whale carcasses were beached at Windy Harbour and have assessed that the remains of both whales have been taken out to sea and broken up naturally. 

There are no longer any visible remains. 

Divers, surfers and swimmers are advised to continue to take care as residues from the carcasses may continue to act as an attractant to sharks.

Use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to land managers and relevant authorities and to the public on the SharkSmart website and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed.

Update on 19 July at 11.37am

Officers from the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions have attended on site to assess the two whale carcasses at Windy Harbour, in the shire of Manjimup.

The two whale carcasses will remain in place until a further assessment is made after the weekend.

There are beach warning signs which will remain in place at Windy Harbour until the whale carcasses are no longer a risk to acting as a shark attractant in this area.

Alert issued on 15 July 

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to two whale carcasses near Flat Rock Beach and Ledge Islet Beach, east of Windy Harbour in the Shire of Manjimup.

Situation:

  • The two whale carcasses were reported by officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions at 9:08am this morning.
  • The officers attended and confirmed the whale carcasses as a 10 metre Humpback Whale at Ledge Islet Beach and a second, smaller, 4.5 metre Humpback Whale, which is located at Flat Rock Beach. 
  • The whale carcasses are approximately two kilometres apart.
  • It is possible the whale carcasses will act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close in to shore along this stretch of coast.
  • While it’s not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Western Australian coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution until this is resolved.

What to do:

  • Take additional caution in the Flat Rock Beach and Ledge Islet Beach areas.
  • Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers or Parks and Wildlife Service officers.
  • Use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.
  • If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to land managers and relevant authorities and to the public on the SharkSmart website and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed. 

What authorities are doing: 

Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions are currently assessing the situation.

Extra information: 

Bring your Sea Sense to the beach. Stay informed by checking the Shark Activity Map on the SharkSmart website – www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity or the Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – twitter.com/SLSWA. Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news  for current alerts and warnings.

 

Back to News & Alerts