The WA government has announced an additional $5 million to boost shark hazard mitigation measures. Photo: Aaron Bunch/AAP PHOTOS
More drones will take to the skies as funding for shark tagging doubles, following a fatal attack.
The WA government has announced an additional $5 million to boost shark hazard mitigation measures, including increased helicopter patrols ahead of summer.
Several sharks have been spotted at city beaches in recent days after a huge humpback whale carcass washed ashore, weeks after a swimmer was fatally attacked at Perth’s Sorrento Beach.
Several sharks were seen circling a massive rotting whale carcass at Perth’s City Beach. (Aaron Bunch/AAP PHOTOS)
Under the package, $800,00 will be allocated to doubling shark tagging efforts, providing near real-time alerts to the community.
Alerts can be be received via the SharkSmart WA app and website.
Another $1.2 million will support additional beach and drone patrols at active coastline spots over busy periods.
Alternative drone technology worth $200,000 will also provide an additional layer of shark surveillance at WA beaches.
“We’re investing an additional $5 million in practical measures that will strengthen shark monitoring along our coastline,” Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis said on Tuesday.
“Surf Life Saving WA plays an incredibly important role in keeping people safe at our beaches. We will continue working with (them) and investing in measures that help keep Western Australians as informed and as safe as possible.”
Swimmers and surfers can get alerts via the SharkSmart WA app and website. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)
The new measures build on existing initiatives including aerial and beach patrols, needed after sharks were seen circling a massive rotting whale carcass on Perth’s City Beach earlier this month.
It was removed using a crane and truck after a two-day salvage operation to move it from the shoreline about 1.25km to an access road.
Some beaches remain closed including City Beach after following the whale contamination and bacteria.
A 63-year-old man was killed in an attack by a great white shark off Perth’s Sorrento Beach. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)
Just weeks earlier, a catch-and-kill order was authorised for a large shark following the death of a 63-year-old swimmer who was fatally attacked off Perth’s Sorrento Beach.
It marked the second shark attack off WA’s coast within a five-day period.
“The recent shark fatality has been incredibly distressing for our community,” Hillarys MLA Caitlin Collins said.
“For so many of us, going to the beach is simply part of everyday life and that’s why this tragedy really hit home.”
Australian Associated Press
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