Sharks active in South West waters
Numerous surfers and swimmers were cleared from several South West beaches over the Easter long weekend as a result of shark sightings from Surf Life Saving WA’s Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter.
During the four-day break, the helicopter crew sighted 25 sharks, mostly between 2m and 3.5m in length, as well as more than a dozen one metre hammerhead sharks.
A further 23 sharks were spotted from the air on Wednesday and Thursday of last week. It was not possible to identify the species of the larger sharks in most cases.
Surf Life Saving WA’s Aviation Services Manager Peter Scott said the crew had also sighted large numbers of salmon along the South West coast which may be contributing to the shark numbers.
“The South West helicopter crew certainly had a very busy Easter with lots of shark activity between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin,” Mr Scott said.
“At several locations the crew warned surfers or swimmers via the helicopter’s siren or loud hailer when the sharks were deemed to be too close. Some sharks were just metres from shore.”
The South West Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter is currently conducting daily patrols through to the end of the April school holidays thanks to additional funding provided by the State Government as part of the Shark Mitigation Strategy.
Two sharks were spotted from the Westpac helicopter at Windmills surfing spot,near Cape Naturaliste, yesterday, Picture: Surf Life Saving WA.
The South West Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter patrols about 180km of coast between Binningup, north of Bunbury, and Augusta.
The extended patrols started in late September 2014.
“Last year we finished South West summer patrols just after school went back in February, so to have patrols continue this year on weekends, public holidays and school holidays through to the end of April is a real bonus for surfers and beach goers in the region,” Mr Scott said.
During the extended patrols since February 7 this year the South West Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter has sighted 93 sharks.
