Keep alert in the marine environment over Easter

02 April 2015

With an Easter long weekend and school holidays commencing, people out on the water are reminded to stay alert and safe in the marine environment and to keep a check on the shark sighting and detection reports; available through the SharkSmart website and the Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) Twitter service.

While it is not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Western Australian 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 Sharksmart website at www.sharksmart.com.au and Twitter feed at twitter.com/SLSWA are the best ways 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.

There have been a number of reports of shark sightings in the south west in recent days, particularly in the area from Bunker Bay to Injidup Bay.
Large schools of fish such as salmon occur in the area at this time of year, which may attract sharks closer to shore.

Over the holiday break, we encourage people to continue to report shark sightings to the Water Police on 94428600, so we can keep other water users and beach goers informed.
Advice is that water users should:

• Take caution during Easter and the school holidays, especially near schooling fish.

• Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the Shark Activity Map on the SharkSmart website – www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity/, or the SLSWA Twitter – twitter.com/SLSWA.

• Report any 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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