News & Alerts

Situation:

• The whale carcass was reported by a member of the public at approximately 2:45 pm.
• The carcass is reported to be 200 metres north of the surf break.
• A Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Regulation 44 closure notice has been issued for the Three Bears Surfing Spot area and extending 1 kilometre north and 1 kilometre south. This means beaches and waters up to 1 kilometre out to sea cannot be used by divers, surfers and swimmers. This closure does not apply to vessels. 
• 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 Three Bears Surfing Spot 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 the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), along with staff from other agencies are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions has closed the beach for the safety of water users. At this stage it is unknown when the beach will be reopened.  

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