News & Alerts

Alert issued 16 July 2024 at 11:00 am

Alert level:

 A shark ADVICE has been issued due to an injured whale in Kalbarri in the Shire of Northampton.

Situation: 

• The injured whale was reported at Jakes Corner by a member of the public at 9:28 am.   
• The injured animal is  attracting sharks to the area and it is likely to 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, people should exercise additional caution.  

What to do: 

• Take additional caution in the Kalbarri 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. 

Shire of Northampton has closed Jakes Corner beach for the safety of water users. Once the incident is resolved 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.