Fisheries advise caution along Perth's northern coastline

05 May 2014

After a series of shark sightings along the Perth coast today, the Department of Fisheries is advising water users between Ocean Reef and Port Beach to exercise additional caution.

A large shark has been sighted tracking north from City Beach through to Trigg Beach, reportedly following a six-metre whale. Beaches closed as a result of the sightings included City Beach, Floreat, Scarborough, Brighton and Trigg.

It is possible that the while the whale is inshore, it may act as an attractant that could lead to an increased possibility of encountering sharks off this stretch of coast.

While it is not uncommon for sharks to be present off the metropolitan coast throughout the year, people should remember that some beaches are not patrolled full-time, so it is important water users take responsibility for their own safety by checking the latest shark information.

The Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) Twitter feed at twitter.com/SLSWA is the best way to keep up to date with both detections of tagged sharks by the Shark Monitoring Network and any sightings reported by members of the community to Water Police.

This information is also available on the SLSWA website at www.surflifesavingwa.com.au and via a link on the Department of Fisheries’ website shark pages at www.fish.wa.gov.au/shark.

Advice is that water users should:

Take additional caution between Ocean Reef and Port Beach.
Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the Surf Life Saving Twitter – twitter.com/SLSWA.
Report any community shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600.
Adhere to any beach closures advised by your Local Government Rangers or Surf Life Saving WA.

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