News & Alerts

Update on 5 September at 9:00am

Officers from Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions have assessed the remains of the whale carcass at Wedge Island and have extended the Regulation 44 closure notice, which will now remain in place until 4th October 2019.  

The closure is for the waters surrounding Wedge Island up to one kilometre out to sea.

It is possible the decomposing carcass will continue to act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close in to shore along this stretch of coast.

Beach access is permitted within the closure area but swimming or entering the water is prohibited.

Alert issued on 7 August

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass that remains on the north-east corner of Wedge Island. Another carcass that had come ashore 100 metres north of the main access to the beach, on 5 August 2019, has been removed.

Situation:

• The remaining whale carcass that was originally reported by Parks and Wildlife Service officers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), in July remains in place.
• A Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Regulation 44 closure notice remains in place for the water surrounding Wedge Island, up to one kilometre out to sea. This closure does not apply to vessels. Beach access is permitted, but swimming or entering the water is prohibited.
• It is possible the decomposing carcass will continue to 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 Wedge Island area.
• Adhere to beach closures advised by Parks and Wildlife Service officers.
• 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: 

Parks and Wildlife Service Officers are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.

DBCA has closed the beach for the safety of water users. Once the area is deemed safe for public use, the beach will be reopened. At this stage it is unknown when this will be.  

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.