Two new-generation shark monitoring receivers deployed at Western Australia’s Bunker Bay

October 17, 2020

Two new-generation Shark Monitoring Network receivers have been deployed at Bunker Bay West and Bunker Bay East aimed at improving beach safety across Western Australia.

Bunker Bay is located within the Margaret River Wine Region, is protected by the rocky outcrops of Cape Naturaliste and is one of the few north-facing beaches in Western Australia.

The two new-generation receivers are solar/battery powered and will have up to double the range of existing receivers.

The planned installation to boost the network and enhance beach safety followed a shark bite incident at Bunker Bay in July earlier this year. The timing coincides with the more recent tragedy at Kelp Beds beach near Esperance.

The new-generation receivers will connect to a digital phone network, instead of satellite, and recent site testing revealed a potential tag detection range of up to 800 metres, depending on weather, ocean and environmental conditions.

On the water, the receiver technology is solar powered with rechargeable batteries and both receivers will be fitted with a light so they can be seen at night.

The deployment of these new-generation receivers will integrate seamlessly into the existing network and expand Western Australia's near real-time tagged shark detection capability to 34 sites at popular beaches between Perth and Esperance.

Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley said the City of Busselton has agreed to operate the new shark warning system tower on the beach, which can be activated to alert water users when a tagged shark is detected or if there is a reported shark sighting in the area.

The Western Australian Government has installed the two new receivers at a cost of just over $63,000 and also funded the $9,500 beach-side shark alert tower.

Western Australian Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley advises "this week the people of Esperance are feeling a great sense of sadness and grief following the loss of Andrew Sharpe while surfing at Kelp Beds, and the State Government extends its sympathy to Mr Sharpe's family and the community.

"Three months ago, our South-West communities were dealing with a shark bite incident involving surfer Phil Mummert at Bunker Bay.

"I am very pleased we are supporting this community with the deployment of new shark monitoring receivers and an alert tower at this popular beach.

"The new generation technology in the new receivers will have lower operational costs; the receivers include a built-in GPS and they can also be monitored from an online dashboard.

"These receivers not only have cost benefits but range testing in Bunker Bay has detected test tags out to 800 metres, which is an improvement on previous receiver models.

"It's important to remind beachgoers that the receivers detect tagged sharks, so it is still important to report all sharks to Water Police on 9442 8600.

"You can find out more on the Sharksmart WA app or the Sharksmart website."

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

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

19th November 2019 - Shark-proof wet suit material could reduce injuries

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

12th February 2019 - Smart Shark Management drumlines trialled across Sydney beaches

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

20th April 2018 - Kelly Slater advises of shark fears as Margaret River Pro surfing row deepens

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

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

26th January 2015 - Clever Buoy project to deter sharks and keep beaches safe

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