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Whale carcass attracting sharks off Perth coast
Date: Sunday, 24 May 2009
A whale carcass, floating off Perth’s metropolitan coast, has attracted at least one large shark.
Department of Fisheries Regional Manager Metro Tony Cappelluti said the whale carcass,with a great white shark feeding on it, was sighted by a departmental research crew around six nautical miles West of Scarborough.
“While the carcass is a long way off any Perth beaches, it is important that boat users or divers are aware of the potential increased shark activity near the carcass,” Mr Cappelluti said.
“There has also been another shark sighting this morning at Strickland Bay on Rottnest Island, where warning signs were erected several days ago after sightings made during the week.”
Mr Cappelluti said, because the carcass was an attractant and it wasn’t known whether it would float closer to the coastline, people needed to be extra vigilant at present.
“It is important to remember that one of the tips for beach and diving safety emphasises that people should avoid swimming in areas where animal or fish waste is in the water,” he said.
“The Department of Fisheries will provide further advice if the carcass creates any inshore shark hazards.”
Some precautions to reduce the risk of shark attack are to:
Department of Fisheries Regional Manager Metro Tony Cappelluti said the whale carcass,with a great white shark feeding on it, was sighted by a departmental research crew around six nautical miles West of Scarborough.
“While the carcass is a long way off any Perth beaches, it is important that boat users or divers are aware of the potential increased shark activity near the carcass,” Mr Cappelluti said.
“There has also been another shark sighting this morning at Strickland Bay on Rottnest Island, where warning signs were erected several days ago after sightings made during the week.”
Mr Cappelluti said, because the carcass was an attractant and it wasn’t known whether it would float closer to the coastline, people needed to be extra vigilant at present.
“It is important to remember that one of the tips for beach and diving safety emphasises that people should avoid swimming in areas where animal or fish waste is in the water,” he said.
“The Department of Fisheries will provide further advice if the carcass creates any inshore shark hazards.”
Some precautions to reduce the risk of shark attack are to:
- swim between the flags at patrolled beaches;
- 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, such as seals;
- 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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