News & Alerts

Update 17 May 2019 at 1:20pm

The system outage for the Shark Monitoring Network, relating to the Scarborough, 1.5kms off Scarborough and Swanbourne receivers has now been partially resolved.

The Scarborough and 1.5kms off Scarborough receivers have been brought back online and are fully operational, however the Swanbourne receiver remains offline. Department staff are working to bring this receiver back on line as soon as possible.

The remainder of the system is fully operational.

Keep informed of the latest detections 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.

The Shark Notification System forms part of a range of shark hazard mitigation strategies in place.  See www.sharksmart.com.au for additional information.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued for Perth metropolitan area water users, due to a partial outage in the shark notification system at the locations at Scarborough, 1.5 km off Scarborough and Swanbourne.

Situation:

• The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development advise that tagged shark detections from Shark Monitoring Network satellite-linked receivers located at Scarborough,1.5 km off Scarborough and Swanbourne are currently offline.
• These are the only receivers out of service and the remainder of the Shark Monitoring Network has not been affected. 
• The remainder of the system is fully operational. 
• Departmental staff have been working today to rectify the technical faults at receivers 1.5kms off Scarborough and Swanbourne, however they remain offline until further notice.
• During routine testing today of the Scarborough receiver, staff determined that this receiver has developed a fault and is also offline. 
• Restoration of the service will require staff re-assessing the faults and the extent of the repairs required. 
• Extra caution is advised for water users in these locations.

What to do:

• Adhere to any beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers 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: 

The relevant authorities that receive Shark Notification System alerts to assist them in responses have been notified of the outage; including the Surf Life Saving WA, WA Police and relevant local government rangers.

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will be working to restore the system to full operational status as soon 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.

The Shark Notification System forms part of a range of shark mitigation strategies in place.  See www.sharksmart.com.au for additional information.