News & Alerts

Update on 7 September at 8:00am  

Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions have inspected the whale carcass which remains in place at Sugarloaf Rock, Cape Naturaliste. 

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 22 July

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported at Sugarloaf Rock, Cape Naturaliste in the City of Busselton.

Situation:

• The whale carcass was reported by a member of the public at approximately 11:30am. 
• The carcass is located near BSN653 Sugarloaf Rock BEN sign.
• 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. 

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Sugarloaf Rock 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: 

Officers from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), along with staff from other agencies are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.

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.