SharkSmart WA app reaches 30,000 downloads in 12 months

November 16, 2020

Education / Environment / Recreation / Safety / Technology /

The SharkSmart WA app, a key part of the Western Australian Government's shark mitigation strategy, has proved popular with beach goers surpassing 30,000 downloads in just 12 months.

Launched in October 2019, the app works seamlessly alongside the SharkSmart website to deliver near real-time information on shark activity, including alerts and warnings, to beach goers in Western Australia.

It also provides information on Surf Life Saving WA patrolled beaches, weather forecasts and the locations of the Shark Monitoring Network receivers.

The most used feature on the app continues to be 'updates' which sorts the shark activity information according to a user's favourite or other locations.

SharkSmart users' top five beach spots include: Cottesloe Beach, Mullaloo, Scarborough Beach, Leighton Beach, City Beach.

The most viewed beach safety feature is the location of shark monitoring receivers, followed by patrolled beach locations.

WA Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley notes "it is great to see so many Western Australians thinking about their beach safety and downloading the free SharkSmart WA app.

"The app has been well supported by not only the local community but also by land managers and key stakeholders including Surfing WA and Surf Life Saving WA.

"In the lead up to summer, I encourage Western Australians to download the app so they're up-to-date on shark activity and beach safety information before heading for a swim."

SharkSmart has a quick call link allowing beach goers to instantly report shark sightings or whale carcasses to Water Police.

For more information, visit www.sharksmart.com.au

28th October 2019 - Western Australian Government launches Shark Smart WA app

17th October 2020 - Two new-generation shark monitoring receivers deployed at Western Australia’s Bunker Bay

1st October 2020 - Australian Marine Conservation Society welcomes Queensland’s new reforms for shark finning

31st August 2020 - Shark monitoring receivers to be introduced at Western Australia’s Bunker Bay

24th July 2020 - Global reef shark study highlights importance of shark conservation in Australia

14th July 2020 - SEA LIFE Melbourne Aquarium marks Shark Awareness Day with live streams and videos

27th April 2020 - Western Australia’s shark SMART drumline trial to be extended

11th March 2020 - Australian Marine Conservation Society highlights endangered shark facing extinction

18th February 2020 - Shark drumlines returned to Far North Queensland beaches within Marine Park

14th December 2019 - Australian Marine Conservation Society condemns NSW Government for slashing endangered shark protection

12th December 2019 - Conservation groups call for action on Australia’s endangered sharks

11th December 2018 - Shark receivers to be installed at Western Australian beaches

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

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

18th March 2018 - NSW shark net trial kills endangered marine life

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

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