- Margaret River to receive a new shark monitoring receiver to boost safety for local surfers
- Receiver to be installed in time for Margaret River Pro
- Cook Government building safe communities
A new shark monitoring receiver is going into the water off Margaret River to expand coverage in the South West and further boost safety for local surfers.
The receiver will be deployed at Margaret River Main Break off Surfers Point following consultation with the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, Surfing WA and Surf Life Saving WA.
Three other receivers are already in place within the shire including popular surfing spots at Lefthanders and Cowaramup Bay.
The Cook Government's Shark Monitoring Network helps improve safety for water users by providing near real-time alerts of tagged shark detections via the SharkSmart WA app and SharkSmart website.
There are 39 shark monitoring receivers along the Western Australian coastline, including 12 at popular South West beaches.
The new Margaret River Main Break receiver will be installed in time for the Margaret River Pro in April and will remain in place after the event.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is also working with the Shire of Augusta Margaret River to link the Margaret River Main Break receiver to the existing Shark Warning System tower at Surfers Point to alert beach users of nearby shark activity.
As part of Western Australia's comprehensive shark hazard mitigation strategy, the shire has also installed 54 beach emergency numbers (BEN) signs at beach locations to help improve response times in the event of an emergency.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"The Shark Monitoring Network is a key initiative of the Cook Government's shark hazard mitigation strategy, and the new Margaret River Main Break receiver will further enhance safety for our local surfing community.
"Receivers are also in place at Cowaramup Bay, Lefthanders, Smiths Beach, Bunker Bay, Meelup, Busselton and Bunbury so locals and visitors can continue to enjoy our beautiful South West beaches with confidence.
"Downloading the SharkSmart WA app or visiting the SharkSmart website is a great way to stay informed, and it is also important for anyone who sees a shark to report it to Water Police 9442 8600 as soon as possible."
