News & Alerts

Situation:

• The humpback whale carcass was reported by Parks and Wildlife officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions at approximately 1pm today.
• The carcass has already been removed, however residue from where the carcass was beached may 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 for the next week.

What to do:

• Take additional caution if using the water in the area between Dead Finish Anchorage, Flinders Bay, and Augusta marina.
• 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:
Parks and Wildlife officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have removed the carcass today.

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.