News & Alerts

Update on 14 November at 11:40am

Officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have inspected the whale carcass which remains in place at Salmon Beach near Windy Harbour. Shark warning signs are in place in the area. 

Additional caution is recommended by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development as the slowly decomposing whale carcass may attract sharks to the area.

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 24 October

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported at Salmon Beach near Windy Harbour in the Shire of Manjimup.

Situation:

• The whale carcass was reported by Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions at 4:00pm. 
• It is possible the decomposing 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 whale carcass is removed.

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Salmon Beach area.
• Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers or Parks and Wildlife Service officers.
• 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, along with staff from other agencies are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.

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.