News & Alerts

Update on 18th March 2021 5:30pm

Parks and Wildlife service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) have successfully removed the majority of the whale carcasses, however parts of one carcass remain in the water and as such have attracted sharks to the area.

The City of Albany have closed the beach until further notice.

Officers from DBCA will continue to monitor till further notice.

It is possible that residue from the carcass remains will continue to act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close in to shore along this stretch of coast.

DPIRD Fisheries advise taking additional caution in the Cheyne Inlet Beach 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 15th March 2021

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to three beaked whale carcasses being reported at Cheyne Inlet Beach west of Bremer Bay in the City of Albany.

Situation:

• The carcasses were first reported on Saturday 13th March 2021 at 4:11pm and were identified as dolphins at House Beach east of Bremer Bay.
• Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) have now inspected the carcasses and they have been correctly identified as beaked whales found at Cheyne Inlet Beach, west of Bremer Bay, near Cape Riche Campground. 
• Due to inaccessibility, the carcasses will not be removed. 
• It is possible the decomposing carcasses 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 Cheyne Inlet 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, 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 DBCA are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.