News & Alerts

Alert issued on 18 March 2024

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported at Hunters Access near BEN sign EX2082, North West Cape.

Situation:

• Remains of a whale carcass were reported by Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions at 3:00 pm.
• The carcass remains are attracting sharks to the area and people should exercise additional caution. 

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Hunters Access 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.

Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have closed the beach for the safety of water users. Once the whale carcass remains have 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.