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Great White sightings prompt a warning for caution
Date: Friday, 11 September 2009
The Department of Fisheries’ Pilbara office is warning water users to be cautious, following two recent shark sightings in local inshore waters.
With the warmer weather in Karratha and Dampier at this time of year more swimmers, snorkelling enthusiasts and spear-fishers are venturing into the waters of the Dampier Archipelago where the sightings have been made.
Supervising Fisheries and Marine Officer (FMO) in Karratha, Mike Dunne said commercial diving companies and marine aquarium operators also work in the area and he wants all water users (commercial and recreational) to be aware of the recent sightings.
“We don’t know if it was the same shark on both occasions, but it is relatively uncommon for sightings of great whites in our inshore waters at this time of year,” he said.
“Locals are very familiar with tiger sharks and other species being a part of the marine environment in Pilbara waters, but great white shark sightings are rarer here.
The recent sightings were made at Hamersley Shoals in mid-August and about eight nautical miles north of the Karratha Back Beach last Friday.
From photos taken when one of the sightings was made, the Department of Fisheries senior shark researcher Dr Rory McAuley has identified that shark as a great white.
Mr Dunne said it was possible that great white sharks could be shadowing the migrating whales that are migrating south, past Karratha, at this time of year.
“I think all water users should apply an added level of personal safety, in light of the recent sightings and follow the basic beach and shark safety tips,” he said.
With the warmer weather in Karratha and Dampier at this time of year more swimmers, snorkelling enthusiasts and spear-fishers are venturing into the waters of the Dampier Archipelago where the sightings have been made.
Supervising Fisheries and Marine Officer (FMO) in Karratha, Mike Dunne said commercial diving companies and marine aquarium operators also work in the area and he wants all water users (commercial and recreational) to be aware of the recent sightings.
“We don’t know if it was the same shark on both occasions, but it is relatively uncommon for sightings of great whites in our inshore waters at this time of year,” he said.
“Locals are very familiar with tiger sharks and other species being a part of the marine environment in Pilbara waters, but great white shark sightings are rarer here.
The recent sightings were made at Hamersley Shoals in mid-August and about eight nautical miles north of the Karratha Back Beach last Friday.
From photos taken when one of the sightings was made, the Department of Fisheries senior shark researcher Dr Rory McAuley has identified that shark as a great white.
Mr Dunne said it was possible that great white sharks could be shadowing the migrating whales that are migrating south, past Karratha, at this time of year.
“I think all water users should apply an added level of personal safety, in light of the recent sightings and follow the basic beach and shark safety tips,” he said.
- avoid time in the water around dusk and dawn, when there may be an increased risk of shark attack;
- avoid areas where there are large schools of fish, or other potential shark prey (including sick or injured whales);
- avoid areas where animal, human or fish waste enter the water;
- avoid deep-water channels or drop-offs nearby;
- do not remain in the water with bleeding wounds; and
- if you see a shark, leave the water quickly and calmly. Avoid excessive splashing or noise.
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