Shark capture order rescinded for Cheynes Beach

31 December 2014

The Department of Fisheries Acting Director General, Dr Rick Fletcher, has rescinded the catch order for a white shark suspected to be responsible for a fatal attack off Cheynes Beach, near Bald Island, close to Albany.

The Department has conducted surveillance on the water and deployed capture gear following a fatal incident which claimed the life of a young man on Monday, however, since that time there have been no sightings of a shark considered a serious threat.

Dr Fletcher said given that a significant period has elapsed since the tragic incident which occurred at midday on Monday and that there have been no further sightings of a high hazard shark in the Cheynes Beach region, it is appropriate to rescind the capture order.

Summer is a popular time for West Australians to use our beaches and water ways. Advice is that water users should:

Adhere to any beach closures which may be in place.
Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the Surf Life Saving Twitter – www.twitter.com/SLSWA or the SharkSmart activity map  - www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity .
Report any shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600.

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