Eight white sharks tagged in successful DPIRD operation near Cheynes Beach after whale carcass sighting

A whale carcass breaking down near Cheynes Beach, east of Albany, last month has provided a vital opportunity for authorities to strengthen WA’s shark tagging program. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s successful shark tagging program has tagged 16 white sharks so far this year along the WA coastline. Eight of those came as a result of a whale carcass reported on Hassell Beach near Cheynes on September 16. Favourable weather conditions allowed DPIRD researchers to undertake successful targeted tagging around the whale carcass over two days. Eight white sharks were tagged and will now provide near real-time notifications of tagged shark detections through the Shark Monitoring Network. The shark tagging program aims to improve public safety by monitoring shark activity as part of WA’s Shark Hazard Mitigation Strategy. DPIRD shark response unit manager Michael Burke said as whale carcasses break down, they release natural biological oil-based residue which disperses over a large area, attracting sharks and providing the opportunity for targeted tagging operations. “With the weather warming up, it is timely to remind people if they see a whale carcass to report it immediately to Water Police and not go into the water in the surrounding area due to the increased likelihood of sharks being present,” he said. “The SharkSmart WA app is also a great tool for the community to keep informed about the presence of whale carcasses and shark activity, as well as the locations of Surf Life Saving WA patrolled beaches and local weather conditions. “Shark Monitoring Network receivers are located throughout the Perth metropolitan area (including the Swan Canning Estuary), Geographe Bay, Yallingup, Gracetown, Albany and Esperance providing near real-time alerts of tagged shark activity via the app.” The Great Southern had more shark activity near a popular surfing spot last week, with a whale carcass washing up that resulted in two public shark sighting reports. The carcass was reported on September 27 and prompted a shark alert near the Floodgates surfing area at Muttonbird Beach, west of Albany. Two public sightings of sharks were reported after the whale carcass was reported. DPIRD will commence its annual Cockburn Sound tagging operations in the near future, which correlates with pink snapper spawning. In November, the program will include the south coast, with tagging operations planned for Albany, Bremer Bay and Esperance and a focus around seal colonies. DPIRD’s bull shark tagging program will also recommence in the Swan Canning Estuary in November. Beach and river users are encouraged to download the SharkSmart WA app to stay informed. It is also important that anyone who sees a shark to report it to Water Police immediately on 9442 8600.