The WA government will introduce new measures to target beach goers as part of the state’s shark mitigation strategy.
Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly unveiled five new initiatives to boost beach safety and announced a new campaign - Sea Sense - to encourage Western Australians to play their part in minimising the risk posed by sharks.
The campaign aims to inform the community about shark mitigation strategies, which are based on science and robust research, and how best to use them so people can keep enjoying the beach with confidence.
The campaign will feature across print, television, radio and digital platforms and has a budget of $365,000.
In new measures to boost WA's shark mitigation strategy the state government has partnered with Surfing WA to educate surfers on how to keep safe.
The government has provided drones and jet ski surveillance for WA surf events, and funding over three years for the Surfers Rescue 365 program which delivers free first aid training for surfers.
A panel of experts will also be formed to provide advice to the government on the effectiveness of new shark mitigation technologies and scientific research into white shark populations, movements and behaviours in WA.
A new app will also be released in the first half of 2019 to provide real-time information and alerts direct to mobile devices.
To improve whale carcass management the government will collaborate with land managers to tow carcasses that are adrift, when conditions are suitable.
A program to trial additional towing options will be introduced and where possible, small whale carcasses will be towed, when removal by land is not practical.
The government will also refresh its SharkSmart website by adding a new shark activity map to include details about satellite-linked receiver locations, beach enclosures, Surf Life Saving WA surf club locations and locations of Beach Emergency Numbers signs.
Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly said while the risk of a shark encounter in WA is low, the government was doing more than ever before to keep Western Australians safe at the beach.
"These five new initiatives bolster our existing comprehensive shark mitigation strategy, giving ocean users more information, more choice and more assistance, so they can continue doing what they enjoy with confidence,” he said.
Vasse MLA Libby Mettam welcomed the plans to improve whale carcass management after a carcass was left to rot at Wyadup Rocks in Yallingup on August 20.
The usual method of removing large whale carcasses with earth-moving machines was considered, however the method could not be employed because the shore was too rocky and the carcass was partially submerged.
Ms Mettam said she was keen to see a whale carcass management plan put in place as soon as possible, given there were already a number of whale carcasses that have been left to decompose.
“The minister has stated he intends to put in place a ‘program to trial additional towing options,’” she said.
“We can’t afford to again wait; this and the delay in the delivery of Smart Drumlines is causing great frustration to the surfing community.
“Fortunately, the recent shark attack at Mandurah did not result in a fatality. However this does underline the importance of extending the Smart Drumline trial to other locations across the state in order to give more credibility to the scientific evidence that the state government are seeking.”
Ms Mettam said the last two major surfing events in the region including the Margaret River Pro and World Surf League Cape Naturaliste Pro Surf Series at Yallingup were both compromised by the lack-lustre response to remove whale carcasses.
“During my question to the minister for Fisheries in Parliament last month the minister suggested the closure of beaches was not an issue and surfers could find alternative locations,” she said.
“However, we now have beaches closed or with warnings, not just in the South West but around the State. This will be a deterrence to locals and visitors who would normally be taking to the water with the onset of warmer weather.”
Ms Mettam said when whaling ended in WA in 1978, there were approximately 500 mammals off the coastline.
Now the humpback whale population was understood to be well above 30,000 alone and by 2020 it is expected that whale populations will be at pre-whaling levels.
“This means we are likely to see the presence of more carcasses, and more sharks attracted to beaches,” she said.
“Public safety is paramount and it is essential the government make public safety for all ocean users an absolute priority, which includes an immediate whale carcass management strategy.”
