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Shark ADVICE for Garden Island in the City of Rockingham
11 September 2019Update on 11 September at 2:15pm
Contractors and staff from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have removed the Humpback Whale carcass which was located at the southern end of Garden Island.
The carcass was towed to shore and is now being lifted in sections into industrial skip bins and transported to landfill. It will be completely removed by the end of the day.
Residues will potentially remain for a few days and may act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close in to shore along this stretch of coast.
Bring your Sea Sense to the beach. Stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.
If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.
Update on 6 September at 5:00pm
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development research officers have attended the area where the whale carcass was reported at Garden Island and identified it as being ashore at the Southern End of Garden Island, approximately 1.5 kilometres west of the traffic bridge.
The carcass is in a protected bay and is likely to remain in that location.
At this stage Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions officers will monitor the situation and assess the possibility of removing the carcass, however the area is surrounded by a fringe reef and access to the area presents challenges.
While the carcass remains in place, it's possible it will act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close in to shore along this stretch of coast.
Bring your Sea Sense to the beach. Stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.
Alert issued on 6 September
Alert level:
A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported at Harding Rock near Garden Island in the City of Rockingham.
Situation:
- The whale carcass was reported by Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) Officers just after 3pm this afternoon.
- The carcass has been described as a large whale carcass in the advanced stages of decomposing. It is approximately 800 metres offshore and surrounded by fringing reef.
- It is possible the decomposing 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 whilst the carcass remains in this area.
What to do:
- Take additional caution in the Harding Rock area and nearby bays of Garden Island.
- 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 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 and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed.
What authorities are doing:
Fisheries research officers are nearby in a vessel and will be attending to provide further advice. A land-based ranger on Garden Island from Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions is attending to assess the situation.
Extra information:
Bring your Sea Sense to the beach. Stay informed 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.