News & Alerts

Situation:

• An 8 metre humpback whale carcass was reported by a member of the public to Fisheries Officers just prior to noon today.
• A school of large sharks has been reported as feeding on the carcass.
• The carcass is located 400m offshore, west south west of Geraldton Surf Club.
• 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, additional caution should be taken in waters inside the reef, South of Separation Point Geraldton for the next few days.

What to do:

• Water users should take additional caution in the area in waters inside the reef, South of Separation Point, Geraldton.
• 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:
Fisheries officers, along with staff from other agencies are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.

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.