Shark WARNING for the coast Hillarys to Scarborough

12 August 2016

Alert level:
As we head into a weekend of great weather for using the water, the Department of Fisheries is reminding people a shark WARNING remains in place for the northern suburbs of the Perth Metropolitan area, for beaches, surf and dive spots, between Hillarys Boat Harbour and Scarborough after high numbers of shark sightings reported in recent weeks.

Situation:

There have been an increased number of shark sightings along the Perth Metropolitan northern beaches in the last 30 days, including 37 sightings reports (40 sharks in total) in the stretch between Trigg Point and North Beach, which includes Mettams Pool.
A sighting of a white shark 6km off-shore Scarborough, was also reported today (Friday 12 August).
It is possible that the frequency and duration of the recent reported sightings may increase the likelihood of encountering a shark in this area.

What to do:

Reconsider swimming, surfing or diving, in the area between Hillarys Boat Harbour and Scarborough.
In the Perth area, don’t swim dive or surf around large schools of fish.
Take additional caution in the Hillary’s to Scarborough area.
During winter many beaches are not patrolled full time 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.
Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers or Surf Life Saving WA.
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 Government rangers, Surf Life saving WA and Department of Fisheries will continue monitor reports. To keep people safe beaches may be closed.

Extra information:
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.

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