News & Alerts

Update on 20 September at 9:00am

Officers from Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions have assessed the whale carcass at Bruboodjoo Point near Coral Bay and have extended the Regulation 44 closure notice, which will now remain in place until 5pm on 14 October 2019.

The closure is for the waters out to 200 metres from the high water mark along the coast adjacent to Cardabia Station, north of Brunbudjoo point.

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.

Beach access is permitted within the closure area, but swimming or entering the water is prohibited.

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

Update on 14 September at 9:20am

Officers from Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions have assessed the whale carcass at Bruboodjoo Point near Coral Bay.

Due to the tide overnight the carcass has moved slightly further north by 200 metres. The area is now subject to a Regulation 44 closure notice, which will now remain in place until 5pm 20 September 2019.

The closure is for the waters out to 200 metres from the high water mark along the coast adjacent to Cardabia Station, north of Brunbudjoo point.

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.

Beach access is permitted within the closure area, but swimming or entering the water is prohibited.

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

Alert issued on 13 September at  3:30pm

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported near Bruboodjoo Point in the Coral Bay area. 

Situation:

• The whale carcass is lodged on a shallow reef two kilometres north of Bruboodjoo point and was reported by an officer from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions at 3:00pm this afternoon.
• The carcass has been identified as a humpback whale which is in a deteriorated state.
• It is possible the decomposing carcass will 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 while the whale carcass remains in this area.

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Coral Bay area.
  Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers or Surf Life Saving WA.
• Use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on 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 land managers and relevant authorities and to the public on the SharkSmart website and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed. 

What authorities are doing: 

Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions are attending the area and will erect shark warning signs.

Fisheries officers are providing advice to the relevant authorities and will continue to monitor the situation in coming days.

Extra information: 

Bring your Sea Sense to the beach. Stay informed 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.