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Shark WARNING for the Capes area between Cape Naturaliste and Gnarabup
28 February 2016Alert level:
A shark WARNING has been issued for an area between Cape Naturaliste and Gnarabup area after an increased number of reported shark sightings. Sharks have been reported over the weekend at Windmills, Yallingup North, Other Side of the Moon, Smiths Beach, Honeycombs and Gnarabup.
Situation:
- A number of sharks have been reported in the area, both from public reports and the Surf Lifesaving helicopter over the period of 27 and 28 February 2016.
- A 2.5m shark was sighted at Gnarabup Beach on 27/02 and a 2.5m shark on 28/2.
- A 3.1 m shark was sighted at Honeycombs on 27/2 and a 3.0m shark on 28/2.
- A 3.5 m shark and a 4m shark were sighted at Windmills on 28/2.
- A 3m shark was sighted at Smiths Beach on 28/2.
- A 3m shark was sighted at Other Side of the Moon on 28/2.
- It is possible that the frequency or duration of the recent sightings may increase the likelihood of encountering a shark in this area. The change in activity may be due to a possible change in environmental conditions. There have been reports of unusually high numbers of schooling tuna in the area.
What to do:
- Obey beach closures advised by local authorities or Surf Life Saving WA.
- Take extra caution in the Cape Naturaliste to Gnarabup area by swimming at patrolled beaches and reconsider surfing or diving in the area.
- In this area, some beaches are not patrolled at all or fulltime, so water users need to take responsibility for their actions by staying up to date.
- Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking 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 response agencies and to the public on the SharkSmart website and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed.
What authorities are doing:
Local authorities and Department of Fisheries will continue to monitor the situation. To keep people safe, beaches may be closed.
Extra information:
It is not uncommon for sharks to be present off the coast throughout the year.
Keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information 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.