News & Alerts

Update on 21 February at 1:30pm

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is continuing to monitor the whale carcass which remains beached at the eastern end of Flinders Bay near Scott River in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.

Additional caution is recommended by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, as any residue from the whale carcass may still 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.

Alert issued on 16 February 2020

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported at the eastern end of Flinders Bay near Scott River in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River.

Situation:

• The whale carcass was first reported earlier today 3.8 km offshore and later this afternoon it had moved closer to within 1km from the beach.
• Fisheries have been monitoring throughout the day and with the assistance of Surf Life Saving WA helicopter patrols have now confirmed the carcass has broken into at least two fragments and is ashore approximately 6 km east of the Blackwood River Mouth.
• Sharks have been observed predating on the carcass.
• It is possible the decomposing carcass 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 the incident resolved.

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Flinders Bay area.
• Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers or Surf Life Saving WA.
• Use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app 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, SharkSmart WA app and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed

What authorities are doing: 

Fisheries officers are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions are preparing a response. As this is a difficult location to access, it may be some time before an assessment of the carcass can be made.

Extra information: 

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website – www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – twitter.com/SLSWA. Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news  for current alerts and warnings.