News & Alerts

Update on 10 July at 3:25pm

Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have inspected the whale carcass that was washed ashore at Cape Leschenault, south of Seabird.

The whale carcass is drifting north within the surf zone and is now located approximately 1km south of Seabird townsite. 

Parks and Wildlife officers and local rangers are monitoring the situation. 

Additional caution is recommended by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, as the slowly decomposing whale carcass may 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. 

Alert issued on 4 July

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported at Cape Leschenault, 2.5km south of Seabird townsite in the Shire of Gingin.

Situation:

• The whale carcass was reported by Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions at 8.30am.  
• 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.

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Cape Leschenault area, near Seabird.
• 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: 

Parks and Wildlife officers and local rangers are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities. 

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 current alerts and warnings.