Shark Safety FAQ

• Is it safe to go swimming?
• Is the number of sharks increasing?
• Is there an increase in the number of white pointers off the Western Australian coastline?
• Is there a shark season?
• Are all sharks dangerous?
• Are sharks more common in inshore areas because their normal food is being exploited by commercial fishers?
• Are there devices to protect divers from sharks?

Is it safe to go swimming?

While it is impossible to guarantee that you will not encounter a shark while swimming, the risk of shark attack is extremely low. In the last 20 years, there have been 40 shark attacks in Western Australia, most of which have resulted in relatively minor injuries to the victims. A total of six people have been killed by sharks in WA over the same period: one at each of the following locations - Roebuck Bay, Hopetoun, Cottesloe, Gracetown, Abrolhos Islands and Port Kennedy. By contrast 10 people drowned in the surf from July 2007 to June 2008 in Western Australia.
(Current as of Dec 2008)

Is the number of sharks increasing?

There is no evidence that the number of dangerous sharks is increasing. In fact the numbers of some species are lower now than in the past.

Is there an increase in the number of white pointers off the Western Australian coastline?

Again there is no evidence that numbers of white pointers (also known as great whites or white sharks) are increasing, either in WA or in other parts of Australia. The reason for the white pointer being granted protected status is that this species faces a high risk of extinction in the wild over the medium term.

Is there a shark season?

Research indicates that some whaler shark species migrate from the North West to the South West of the State during warmer months (November-June). However, this may not be true of white pointers, some of which have been tracked moving along the WA's South Coast and up the West Coast during spring and returning south during late summer. It is therefore likely that potentially dangerous sharks are present off our coast all year round.

Are all sharks dangerous?

Most of the 100 or more shark species that occur in WA waters are capable of injuring humans and all species, no matter how small, should be left alone. However, it is generally accepted that only three species pose a significant threat - the white pointer, tiger shark and bull shark. All three of these species are uncommon around the metropolitan region. Tiger and bull sharks prefer tropical waters and white pointers prefer cooler or temperate waters.

Are sharks more common in inshore areas because their normal food is being exploited by commercial fishers?

There is no evidence that sharks are becoming more common in our inshore (or offshore) waters. Western Australia has well managed fish stocks and therefore there is no reason for sharks to come inshore more often. Nevertheless, larger sharks tend to be very mobile and can travel large distances in search of prey (usually fish). As there are no barriers to prevent sharks from entering inshore areas, there is always a small chance that people may encounter sharks close to shore.

Are there devices to protect divers from sharks?

Yes there are. Professional divers use a range of devices, including electronic repellents, which are available to the general public.