News & Alerts

Alert issued at 9:00 am on 20 January 2026

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported at Secret Harbour in the City of Rockingham.

Situation:

• The whale carcass was reported by Surf Life Saving WA at 6:40 am. 
• It is possible the carcass will 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 Secret Harbour 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.