Department of Fisheries surveillance for white shark to continue at Cheynes Beach

30 December 2014

The Department of Fisheries will continue to undertake surveillance in an effort to catch a shark at Cheynes Beach, near Bald Island off the coast of Albany, following a fatal incident which claimed the life of a young man on Monday.

Two Fisheries vessels will patrol the area but will only set capture gear if the weather is suitable and there is a credible sighting of a high hazard shark in the immediate region. 

The Department has conducted surveillance on the water and deployed capture gear over the past two days, however there have been no sightings of a shark considered a serious threat. 

It is believed a large white shark was likely to have been responsible for the injuries which resulted in the death of a young Albany man on Monday. 

Beaches will remain closed in the area.

The Department has urged local people and holiday makers to stay out of the water and will continue to work closely with Police, Department of Parks and Wildlife and the City of Albany. 

Cheynes Beach is now closed and advice is that water users should:

Adhere to any beach closures which may be in place. 
Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the Surf Life Saving Twitter – www.twitter.com/SLSWA or the SharkSmart activity map -  www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity
 Report any shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600.

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