Shark warning issued after increased shark detections along coast

A shark warning has been issued following an increased number of tagged shark detections along the metropolitan and South West coast.

A Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) spokesperson said the increase could be due to a change in environmental conditions such as spawning pink snapper.

"It is possible that the frequency of the recent detections may increase the likelihood of encountering a shark," a DPIRD spokesperson said.

"It is not uncommon for sharks to be present off the coast throughout the year."

The warning comes after a tagged white shark was detected 21 times in the space of just three days off Port Kennedy earlier this week.

What to do:
•    Take additional caution when entering the water.
•    Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers or Surf Life Saving WA.
•    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.