News & Alerts

Alert issued on 7 November

Alert level: 
A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass being reported at Swanbourne Beach in the City of Nedlands.

Situation:

• The whale carcass was reported by Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions at 8:20am. 
• 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 whale carcass is removed.

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Swanbourne beach area.
• Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers or Surf Life Saving WA.
• Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking 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 response agencies and to the public on the SharkSmart website and the 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.

City of Nedlands has closed the beach for the safety of water users. Once the whale carcass has been removed the beach will be reopened. At this stage it is unknown when this will be.  

Extra information: 
Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information 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.