News & Alerts

Alert issued 5th January 2021

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported at Peppermint Grove Beach Bunbury in the Shire of Capel.

Situation:

• The whale carcass was reported by Parks and Wildlife service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), at 12:06hrs. The carcass was located on the north side of the mouth of the Capel River.
• The Shire of Capel are closing the beach. 
• Officers from DBCA are removing the carcass; however, it is possible the residue from 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 until the carcass residue has washed away.

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Peppermint Grove Beach 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: 

Fisheries officers from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.

The Shire of Capel has closed the beach for the safety of water users. At this stage, it is unknown when the beach will be reopened.  

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.