News & Alerts

Situation:

• The whale carcass was reported by Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions at 10:07 am. 
• A Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) Regulation 44 closure notice has been issued for the Ningaloo Marine Park and Nyinggulu (Ningaloo) Coastal Reserves – Pelican Point. Refer to DBCA for boundary coordinates of area closure. This means beaches and waters in a radius of approximately 300m from Pelican Point cannot be accessed by all users.
• It is possible the decomposing carcass will continue to act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming in close to shore along this stretch of coast.
• Although sharks may be present along the Western Australian coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution. 

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Pelican Point area.
• Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers or Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA).
• Use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or follow @SLSWA on X (formerly Twitter).
• 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 @SLSWA on X.

What authorities are doing: 

Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), along with staff from other agencies are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.

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 @SLSWA on X – x.com/SLSWA. Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news for updates to this alert and to view other warnings and media releases.