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Stay safe during the WA salmon run
08 April 2025The annual run of Australian salmon schools along the WA coast during Autumn is a favourite time on the fishing calendar and comes with a reminder to put safety first.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) encourages all fishers to be aware of coastal safety, particularly in unfamiliar locations.
DPIRD advises fishers to stick to the beach and ‘keep the sand between your toes’ as a far safer option than fishing off rocks.
Salmon have already started to show up in big schools off the South Coast. How far north the salmon move depends on the relative strengths of ocean currents along the coast. The Leeuwin Current has been strong this year carrying warm water south.
The salmon run brings schools of fish close to shore, which can also attract a range of shark species and other marine animals chasing the fish.
Recreational fishers should remember to bleed their catches away from the water’s edge and to discard fish waste responsibly – away from swimmers and other water users.
DPIRD Shark Response Unit Manager Michael Burke said swimmers, surfers and divers should stay alert to increased shark activity linked to the annual salmon run and stay away from large schools of fish.
Mr Burke said DPIRD’s popular SharkSmart WA app was a great way to stay informed of reported shark activity and to help plan trips to the beach.
“The SharkSmart WA app has been downloaded on more than 225,000 devices, with information on beach safety features such as beach enclosure locations, Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) patrolled beaches and weather conditions,” Mr Burke said.
“The app provides near real-time information on shark activity and users can select their favourite coastal locations to receive updates as they happen.
“Surf Life Saving WA also plays a vital role in keeping people safe at our beaches and their metropolitan aerial patrols will be flying daily until the end of April. The south-west helicopter will be in the air throughout the school holidays including Easter.”
The helicopter will sound its siren to notify the public if a shark is in close proximity. Water users should exit the water immediately, check SharkSmart for shark activity information and remain out of the water for at least 60 minutes.
Fishers and beach users are urged to check www.sharksmart.com.au or download the SharkSmart WA app before heading out. Any shark sightings should be reported to Water Police on 9442 8600, making note of the nearest Beach Emergency Number (BEN) sign. More than 1780 BEN signs are installed at metropolitan and regional beach access points.