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Shark ADVICE for Point Cloates, north of Coral Bay

Shark ADVICE for Point Cloates, north of Coral Bay

18 July 2019

Update on 19 July at 3:00pm

Officers from Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions have attended at Point Cloates north of Coral Bay, where there was an earlier report of a stranded whale.

The officers were unable to locate the whale due to the higher tide than when first reported. A surveillance aircraft was deployed and after a thorough search of the area it has been determined that the whale is no longer beached in this area. 

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.

 

Alert level:
A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a stranded whale at Point Cloates,north of Coral Bay, in the shire of Exmouth.

Situation:

  • The stranded Humpback whale was reported by Fisheries officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) at 8.20pm tonight (18 July 2019).
  • The whale is estimated to be approximately 7.5metres in length and is beached on a sand bank approximately 150 metres from the shore line.
  • Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) have been deployed and will attend on site early tomorrow (Friday) morning to assess the situation.
  • This area of coast is a popular area to beach users who may wade in the shallows near the area of the whale.
  • It is possible the beached whale may 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 this is resolved.

What to do:

  • Take additional caution in the Point Cloates area.
  • Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers, DBCA 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: 
Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions are preparing to attend the site to assess the situation and have prepared shark caution signs which may be erected if required. DPIRD Fisheries Officers have provided advice to assist to direct the DBCA officers to the site and will provide further assistance as required.

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.

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