News & Alerts

Update on 26 September at 1:00 pm

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) advise that the City of Albany are in the process of removing the carcass which has been moved from Floodgates Surfing Spot to Mutton Bird Beach.

Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers.

Additional caution is recommended by DPIRD in the Mutton Bird Beach area and Floodgates Surfing Spot, as any residue from the whale carcass may still 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 25 September 2024

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported at Floodgates Surfing Spot near Torbay Inlet east of Denmark.

Situation:

• The whale carcass was reported by a member of the public at 7:19 am. 
• It is possible the carcass will act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close into 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 Floodgates Surfing Spot 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: 

Officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), along with staff from other agencies 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 updates to this alert and to view other warnings and media releases.