News & Alerts

Update on 5 December 2022 at 14:50pm

Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have inspected the whale carcass that was located Sharp Point and advised that it remains in place.

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

Update on 28 October 2022 at 10:10am

Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have inspected the whale carcass that was located Sharp Point and advised that it remains in place.

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 21 September 2022

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported at Sharp Point Beach in the City of Albany.

Situation:

• The whale carcass was reported by a member of the public. 
• Parks and Wildlife Service officers, from Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) have inspected the whale, and confirmed that it is a juvenile southern right whale. 
• 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. 

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Sharp Point 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.

Due to the remote location and difficulties accessing the area, the carcass can not be removed. 

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 – www.twitter.com/SLSWA. Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news for updates to this alert and to view other warnings and media releases.