News & Alerts

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

The SLSWA Twitter feed at twitter.com/slswa is the best way to keep up-to-date with any sightings reported to Water Police by members of the community and the detection of tagged sharks through the Department of Fisheries Shark Monitoring Network. 

Shark Response Unit spokesperson Phil Shaw said there had a number of detections on the network’s receivers in Cockburn Sound and Warnbro Sound recently and this was an indication that sharks are often attracted  to the Sounds at this time of year as snapper spawning occurs.

“Water users are asked to take care in the Sounds and along the Metropolitan coast, especially those in small craft, like kayaks,” Mr Shaw said.

“A white shark was tagged and released west of Garden Island yesterday by Fisheries staff.

“In the South West, there were detections of a tagged white shark overnight at Meelup and sighting reports in recent days in the South West and near Esperance.

“Fishers on the water can also help the community by reporting shark sightings, so we can keep other water users and beach goers informed”

Our advice is that water users should: 

• 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.

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