Shark activity map
Switch on your Sea Sense.
Read more
Latest shark advice and warnings.
Read More
The Western Australian Government's shark mitigation strategy has a strong evidence based focus, backed by science. The Government has supported a variety of research projects and initiatives to enhance our understanding of shark biology and ecology to better inform our government policies.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has a dedicated shark tagging program to support the Shark Monitoring Network and the department’s shark research.
DPIRD’s tagging operations primarily focus on tagging white and bull sharks, but also includes tiger sharks. These target species are considered high risk as they are most frequently involved in serious shark bite incidents.
The Shark Monitoring Network (SMN) is a network of acoustic receivers, which provide land managers, relevant authorities and the public with near real-time alerts of tagged shark detections at key locations.
Some of the world's leading shark research has been conducted in Australia by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and CSIRO, to gain a better understanding about white shark movements and population size. This research helps to inform our shark mitigation strategies.
Research is a crucial element of the Western Australian Government’s shark mitigation strategy. The following research reports have been published as the Government and its partners continue to investigate ways to enhance and expand existing shark mitigation measures.
The Western Australian Government conducted a two-year scientific trial of non-lethal SMART drumlines to assess the effectiveness of SMART drumlines in reducing the risk of shark attacks. The intent of the trial was not to kill sharks, but to catch, tag, relocate and release white sharks one kilometre from shore.
Through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), the scientific trial was conducted between 21 February 2019 and 20 February 2021. Fishing operations continued until the 20 May 2021, while the scientific assessment took place.
The Western Australian Government has invested in a variety of projects aimed at investigating the development of non-lethal shark detection and deterrent technologies to further protect WA beachgoers.