News & Alerts

Update on 13 December at 2:21pm

Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions are continuing to manage the response with regards to the whale stranding incident near Rockingham. 

Following the death of the whale, the carcass has been relocated to the Jervoise Bay Boat Harbour near Henderson and preparations are being made to remove the carcass.  

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends additional caution in the Rockingham area, as any residue from where the whale was stranded may attract sharks to the area.  Additional caution is also advised in waters near Henderson, as body fluids from the carcass have entered the water. 

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 11 December

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale stranding being reported at Naval Memorial Park in the City of Rockingham.

Situation:

• The whale stranding was reported by a member of public at 5:02 am. 
• It is possible the whale stranding 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 Rockingham 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), are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.

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.