News & Alerts

Alert issued on 24 May:

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued, due to a large whale carcass that has been washed into Cheynes Bay in the City of Albany area.

Situation:

• The whale carcass is in the shallow surf zone and being rolled by the waves.
• The City of Albany has closed the beach and rangers are currently attending the area.
• 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 until the stranding incident is resolved.

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Cheynes Beach area.
• 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: 
City of Albany rangers are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities. Fisheries officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will assist as required.

Once the stranding incident is resolved the beach will be reopened. At this stage it is unknown when this will be.  

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.