News & Alerts

Update on 2 August at 12:25pm

The City of Busselton has extended existing beach closures until 9am on Monday 3 August. 

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends additional caution in Bunker Bay and the surrounding area.

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter.

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

Update on 2 August at 7:30am

DPIRD Fisheries officers are conducting beach patrols at Bunker Bay and the surrounding area until 12pm today.

Following the completion of beach based patrols, the City of Busselton will re-open the beach.  

Additional caution is recommended in Bunker Bay and the surrounding area by DPIRD.

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter.

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

Update on 1 August at 8:00am

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) continues to work with local authorities to coordinate responses.

DPIRD Fisheries officers are conducting on water patrols in Bunker Bay and the surrounding area.

The City of Busselton has closed Bunker Bay beach for the safety of water users. 

Drone surveillance on Friday afternoon confirmed the presence of schooling salmon and a seal colony in the vicinity of the area. These environmental conditions may increase the likelihood of encountering a shark in the area.

Additional caution is recommended in Bunker Bay and the surrounding area by DPIRD.

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter.

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

Alert issued on 31 July 

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development are currently involved in responding to a shark incident at The Farm Surfing Spot, Bunker Bay in the City of Busselton. 

Situation:

• A male surfer received injuries after being bitten by a reported 4m white shark at approximately 2:15pm on Friday 31 July 2020. 

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Bunker Bay area and follow any local beach closures.
• 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: 

• DPIRD is working with local authorities to coordinate responses.
• DPIRD Fisheries officers are onsite conducting beach patrols and the RAC helicopter is conducting aerial surveillance in the area. 
• City of Busselton rangers have closed the beach. 

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 current alerts and warnings.