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Shark ADVICE for Bowes River mouth, north of Geraldton
10 July 2017Update 11 July, 2:40pm:
Water users in the Bowes River area are advised that based on the remote location, the whale carcass will not be removed. The shark advice for the area remains in place. Members of the public are asked to keep away from the carcass, due to health and safety risks.
Alert issued 10 July:
Alert level:
A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a humpback whale carcass being washed ashore north of Geraldton, approximately 8.7 km south of the Bowes River mouth, near Horrocks.
Situation:
- The 10 metre whale carcass was reported by a member of the public to Fisheries officers at approximately 2.30pm today.
- It is possible the carcass will act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close in to shore along this stretch of coast.
- The whale carcass is washed up on the beach but it is possible it may be dislodged with tide and wave movement and moved to another location.
- While it’s not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Western Australian coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution while the whale carcass is in the area.
What to do:
- Take additional caution in the area south of Bowes River mouth.
- Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers or Surf Life Saving WA.
- Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the SharkSmart website 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 response agencies and to the public on the SharkSmart website and the Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed.
What authorities are doing:
Fisheries Officers along with staff from other agencies are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.
Extra information:
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 Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – twitter.com/SLSWA.
Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news for current alerts and warnings.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development comprises the former departments of Agriculture and Food, Fisheries and Regional Development, together with the staff of the Regional Development Commissions.