News & Alerts

Update on 28 July at 1:00pm

Parks and Wildlife Services officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conversation and Attractions have assessed the whale carcass at Bateman Bay, near Coral Bay and have extended the Regulation 44 closure notice until midday on Wednesday 11 August 2021. 

Additional caution is recommended by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, as any residue from the whale carcass may still attract sharks to the area. 

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. 

Update on 26 July at 6:15pm

A Department of Biodiversity, Conversation and Attractions (DBCA) Regulation 44 closure notice remains in place for Bateman Bay, adjacent to Oyster Bridge. The lands and waters comprising of a 1km radius from location (23°06.012 S, 113°47.096 E) excluding lands above the low tide mark, cannot be used by divers, surfers and swimmers. This closure does not apply to vessels.

DBCA Parks and Wildlife Service officers have assessed the whale carcass at Bateman Bay and have reported that whale carcass residue remains as a slick in the area, which may continue to attract sharks.

The closure will remain in place for another 48 hours and will be reviewed at midday on Wednesday 28 July 2021.

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. 

Alert issued on 24 July

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported approx. 600m offshore in Bateman Bay, near Coral Bay in the Shire Of Carnarvon.

Situation:

• The whale carcass was reported by Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) at 11.24am.
• A Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Regulation 44 closure notice has been issued for Ningaloo Marine Park – Coral Bay – Bateman Bay, adjacent to Oyster Bridge. The lands and waters comprising of a 1km radius from location (23°06.012S, 113°47.096"E) excluding lands above the low tide mark. 
• Beach closure is to prohibit all persons entering the water but does not prohibit vessels traversing the area or undertaking fishing activities.

   This means waters up to the low water mark cannot be used by divers, surfers and swimmers. 

• This closure will remain in place for 48 hours.
• It is possible the decomposing carcass will continue to act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close in to shore along this stretch of coast.
• While it’s not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Western Australian coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution.

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Bateman Bay area.
• Adhere to beach closures advised by Parks and Wildlife Service officers 
• Use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.
• If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to land managers and relevant authorities and to the public on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed.

What authorities are doing: 

Fisheries officers from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), along with staff from other agencies are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.

DBCA has closed the beach for the safety of water users. DBCA officers will monitor the situation and will advise when the beach will be reopened. At this stage it is unknown when this will be.  

Extra information: 

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website – www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – twitter.com/SLSWA. Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news for updates to this alert and to view other warnings and media releases.