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Shark WARNING Leighton Beach to Sorrento Beach - Perth Metro
23 August 2017Update on 29 August at 12.10pm:
Since 24 August in the waters of the Metropolitan beaches between Leighton and Scarborough.
- Three white sharks have been detected a total of 49 times
- There has been 4 sightings of unknown species of sharks
The shark warning for the waters from Leighton Beach to Sorrento Beach remains in place and water users are reminded to take extra caution in the Perth Metropolitan waters.
Alert issued 23 August:
Alert level:
A shark WARNING has been issued for the area from Leighton Beach to Sorrento Beach in the Perth Metropolitan area after a reported white shark sighting, and a series of tagged white shark detections over the last seven days.
Situation:
- Two white sharks have been detected a total of seven times over the last 7 days (17 – 23 August) in the Perth Metropolitan area.
- A white shark sighting was also reported off Swanbourne beach on 23 August
- It is possible that the frequency or duration of the recent reported sightings and detections may increase the likelihood of encountering a shark in this area.
- The pattern of activity may indicate the presence of environmental attractants.
- Environmental conditions which attract tagged sharks, may also attract other sharks, so water users should stay informed of the latest shark activity reports.
What to do:
- Obey beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers or Surf Life Saving WA.
- Take extra caution in the Perth Metropolitan waters between Leighton and Sorrento beach.
- During winter many beaches are not patrolled fulltime, so water users need to take responsibility for their actions by staying up to date with the latest information.
- 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:
Fisheries officers 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.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development comprises the former departments of Agriculture and Food, Fisheries and Regional Development, together with the staff of the Regional Development Commissions.