News & Alerts

During their westward migration, thousands of adult salmon aggregate to spawn, with the Leeuwin Current dispersing their eggs and larvae to protected coastal nurseries.

Large schools of salmon often appear along surf beaches and inshore reefs, making them popular with recreational and family fishers.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Shark Response Unit Manager Michael Burke said keeping beaches pristine and safer for all water users should be the focus this autumn.

“Fishers can help keep beaches safer by ‘bleeding’ their catch away from the water’s edge and disposing of all fish waste responsibly, including bait and frames – clear of popular swimming areas,” Mr Burke said.

“Large schools of salmon provide an exciting fishing opportunity, but swimmers, surfers and other ocean users should avoid areas where large schools of fish are present.

“It’s a good idea to be aware of the surroundings and take note of wildlife behaving erratically as a sign there may be large schools of fish nearby.

“Beach users can download the free SharkSmart WA app or visit the SharkSmart website to stay informed of shark activity and latest warnings.”

Mr Burke said Surf Life Saving WA helicopters would continue to operate daily during the school holidays along the Perth and South West coasts. If the helicopter hovers and sounds a siren, swimmers need to leave the water immediately for at least one hour.

“All water users should report shark sightings to Water Police immediately on 9442 8600,” he said.

“It is also advisable to take note of nearby Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) signs which can be used to report shark sightings or pinpoint a location in an emergency.”

Mr Burke also encouraged recreational fishers to ‘keep the sand between their toes’, which was a safer option than taking risks while rock fishing.

Image: Surf Life Saving WA