A shark advice has been issued due to a whale carcass on the beach just south of the Sovereign Park foreshore access.

On July 20 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) said the whale carcass – at WN42 Sovereign Park BEN sign – had been reported by a member of the public.

DPIRD said it was possible the carcass could attract sharks to come in close to shore in the area.

While it’s not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Western Australian coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution.

According to the alert DPIRD officers along with staff from other agencies are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities.

The advice is to:

• Take additional caution in the Sovereign Park area.
• Adhere to beach closures advised by local government rangers.
• Use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.
• If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to land managers and relevant authorities and to the public on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed.

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website – www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – twitter.com/SLSWA

Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news for updates to this alert and to view other warnings and media releases.

This article appeared on Yanchep News Online on 21 July 2024.