Safety tips for recreational fishers and boaters

Stay SharkSmart when boating and fishing in Western Australia

Help other water users stay informed by reporting shark sightings to Water Police on 94428600. Public sightings are vital for authorities to provide public safety warnings that may help save peoples' lives.

Image for Help other water users stay informed by reporting shark sightings to Water Police on 94428600. Public sightings are vital for authorities to provide public safety warnings that may help save peoples' lives.

Two men on a boat fishing in turquoise waters; one holds a fishing rod, the other handles a gaff as a fish nears the surface.

Notification system (from infographic)

Subject / Short description

Be a SharkSmart fisher

Don't dump fish waste or leftover bait overboard, near boat ramps or popular swimming beaches. Fish heads, frames offal and leftover bait can attract sharks and impact other beach users
If there is no bin available, take your fish waste home and use to fertilise your garden or freeze and dispose of in your regular rubbish collection
Fish frames (skeletons) of certain species can be donated for research to the Send Us Your Skeleton Program
Don't feed sharks or other marine life
Don't fish or clean fish in popular swimming areas
Never chum or berley in areas where people swim
The use of mammal and bird products as berley is not permitted

Fishing with wire trace

Is prohibited within 800 m of the shore at all metropolitan beaches from Tim's Thicket Beach to Two Rocks north, including all waters of the Swan-Canning Estuary, the Busselton Jetty and foreshore, and Esperance Jetty.

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Emergency

Report shark sightings immediately

Your quick report to Water Police on 9442 8600 can help save lives by alerting other water users to potential dangers in your area.

Report Now

Technology

Advanced monitoring systems

WA uses satellite tags, drone surveillance, and acoustic receivers to track shark movements and provide early warnings to beachgoers.

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Safety tools

Beach Emergency Numbers

SharkSmart WA App

Beach & aerial surveillance

Shark monitoring network

* This block probably not required on this page * Help other water users stay informed by reporting shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Public sightings are vital for authorities to provide public safety warnings that may help save peoples’ lives.

Report Now

Image for *** This block probably not required on this page *** Help other water users stay informed by reporting shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600.

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Swimming safety tips

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Snorkelling and diving safety tips

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River safety tips

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Safety tips for recreational fishers and boaters

Help other water users stay informed by reporting shark sightings to Water Police on 94428600. Public sightings are vital for authorities to provide public safety warnings that may help save peoples' lives.

Be a SharkSmart fisher

Fishing with wire trace

Report shark sightings immediately

Advanced monitoring systems

Safety tools

* This block probably not required on this page * Help other water users stay informed by reporting shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600.

Explore more

* not required * Frequently Asked Questions

Fishing with wire trace

Report shark sightings immediately

Advanced monitoring systems

SharkSmart on your phone

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Introduction

Help other water users stay informed by reporting shark sightings to Water Police on 94428600. Public sightings are vital for authorities to provide public safety warnings that may help save peoples' lives.

Notification systems

Be a SharkSmart fisher

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Fishing with wire trace

Report shark sightings immediately

Advanced monitoring systems

Safety tools

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*** This block probably not required on this page *** Help other water users stay informed by reporting shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600.

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*** not required *** Frequently Asked Questions

How common are shark encounters while surfing?

What precautions should I take while surfing?

What shark species are found in Western Australia?

What shark detection methods are used?

What should I do if I encounter a shark?

How do seasons affect shark activity?

Why is shark conservation important?

Fishing with wire trace

Report shark sightings immediately

Advanced monitoring systems

SharkSmart on your phone

* This block probably not required on this page * Help other water users stay informed by reporting shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600.

* not required * Frequently Asked Questions