News & Alerts

Update on 20 April at 12:15 pm

Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have successfully removed the whale carcass from Hamelin Bay. 

Currently the beach remains closed. Parks and Wildlife Service officers will reassess the closure on 21 April 2024. 

Additional caution is recommended by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, as any residue from where the whale carcass was, 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 20 April 2024

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported near Hamelin Bay Boat Ramp in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River

Situation:

• The whale carcass was reported by Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions at 7:51 am. 
• The carcass is located near AU559 Hamelin Bay Boat Ramp BEN sign, 1km north of the boat ramp.
• It is possible the carcass will 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 Hamelin Bay 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 Parks and Wildlife officers are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has closed the beach for the safety of water users. Once the whale carcass has been removed the beach will be reopened. At this stage it is unknown when this will be.  

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.