News & Alerts

Alert issued 8 July 2022

Alert level:

A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a juvenile whale carcass being reported washed ashore approximately 1.5km east of the Windy Harbour settlement in the Shire of Manjimup.

Situation:

• The whale carcass was reported by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Fisheries Officers at approximately 10:50am. 
• It is possible the decomposing carcass will act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close into 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 Windy Harbour area.
• Adhere to warning signs installed by Local Government Rangers and Parks and Wildlife Service officers.
• 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: 

Fisheries officers from Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), along with staff from the Shire of Manjimup and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.

The beach has not been closed and local authorities are continuing to assess whether to remove the carcass. At this stage it is unknown if or when this will occur.  

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.