The Department of Fisheries have issued a shark warning for the area between Smiths and Injidup Beach, near Yallingup, after increased shark activity.
Between Sunday 15 April and Wednesday 18 April there have been six sightings of sharks, including two reports of white sharks.
Today’s most recent report at 11.24am hours was of a 3.5 metre white shark, reported by the Surf Life Saving WA helicopter.
A bronze whaler was also detected by the shark monitoring network, on Saturday, April 14 at Smiths Beach.
It is possible that the frequency of the recent reported sightings and the detection may increase the likelihood of encountering a shark in this area.
At beaches south of these locations, there have been significant whale carcass strandings over several weeks that could raise the risk of increased shark activity.
What to do:
- Obey beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers or Surf Life Saving WA.
- Take extra caution in the Smiths Beach to Injidup area.
- 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:
A Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development patrol vessel is monitoring the area and Fisheries officers are also attending beach locations in this area.
A Surf Life Saving WA helicopter has been active in this area and will fly patrols during the remainder of the school holidays.
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 sharksmart.com.au/news for current alerts and warnings.
