Shark receivers to be installed at Western Australian beaches

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Shark receivers to be installed at Western Australian beaches

December 11, 2018

Safety for beachgoers in the south west region of Western Australia is to be enhanced for the summer holidays, with the installation of three new satellite-linked receivers that provide near real-time alerts of tagged sharks detected within the receivers’ range.

The Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is commencing the installation of two receivers at Cowaramup Bay and one at Lefthanders, a popular surfing spot south of Gracetown.

These acoustic receivers are satellite-linked and will detect any tagged sharks that come within 400 to 500 metres of them.

Locations for the receivers were chosen following an online survey conducted by the Department in conjunction with South-West communities.

These latest installations bring the number of satellite-linked receivers in Western Australia’s shark monitoring network to 30, with others located throughout the Perth metropolitan area, Bunbury, Busselton, Meelup, Yallingup, Albany and Esperance.

The shark monitoring network plays an important role for beachgoers who want to use their sea sense at the beach. Near real-time alerts of sharks detected on the network are posted to the SharkSmart.com.au activity map and the Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed.

This allows beachgoers to make an informed decision before entering the water.

Western Australia’s shark monitoring network is just one part of the state’s comprehensive shark mitigation strategy which also includes enhanced beach helicopter and drone patrols; a world-first personal shark deterrent subsidy for divers and surfers; beach enclosures; and a SMART drumline trial off Gracetown to start in early 2019.

10th December 2018 - Lotterywest provides $700,000 to Surf Life Saving WA to support nippers program

29th November 2018 - World-first smart beaches platform awarded Federal grant

6th November 2018 - Third Whitsundays shark attack leads to fatality

24th September 2018 - Conservationist says that Whitsundays shark attacks occurred in swimming ‘no-go zone’

18th April 2018 - Shark attacks prompt cancellation of Margaret River Pro surfing event

10th June 2016 - Western Australian Premier says shark attacks impacting tourism and way of life

31st January 2015 - New app to help swimmers avoid sharks

28th November 2013 - Ocean rips kill more than bushfires, cyclones, floods or shark attacks

1st December 2014 - Surf Life Saving WA says beach drowning numbers unacceptable

8th May 2018 - Calls for Western Australian Government to introduce ‘serious threat’ shark policy

12th October 2016 - Western Australian Government to trial shark-spotting surveillance drones

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