News & Alerts

Alert issued on 29 November

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to an Elephant Seal carcass washed ashore at Rabbit Hill Surfing Spot, near Yallingup in the Shire of Busselton.

Situation:

• The Elephant Seal carcass was reported by Parks and Wildlife Service Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions at 2.15pm.
• It is possible 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 Elephant Seal carcass is removed.

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Yallingup 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 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: 

Fisheries officers are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.

Parks and Wildlife Service Officers are working to remove the Elephant Seal carcass as quickly as possible.  

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.