Shark warning at Margaret River Main Break after detector goes offline

Beachgoers and surfers have been warned to take extra care at one of WA’s most popular surf breaks after a fault knocked out part of the shark detection network.

A shark advice alert has been issued for waters off Prevelly after the shark monitoring receiver at Margaret River Main Break went offline, leaving authorities temporarily unable to receive tagged shark detection alerts from the location.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development said the outage was limited to the Margaret River Main Break receiver, with the rest of the shark monitoring network continuing to operate as normal.

The fault means tagged sharks passing the receiver may not trigger the usual public alerts until the equipment is repaired.

Authorities are urging anyone heading into the water around Prevelly to exercise extra caution while the receiver remains out of service.

Beachgoers should also follow any closures or warnings issued by local government rangers, Parks and Wildlife officers or Surf Life Saving WA.

DPIRD said Surf Life Saving WA, WA Police and local land managers had been notified of the outage and work was underway to restore the monitoring receiver as quickly as possible.

What to do:

• Take additional caution in the Prevelly area.
• Adhere to beach closures advised by rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers, and Surf Life Saving WA.
• Use your sea sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or Surf Life Saving WA’s X feed.
• If you see a shark, call Water Police on 9442 8600.

Extra information:

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow Surf Life Saving WA Twitter – twitter.com/SLSWA. Check sharksmart.com.au/news for updates to this alert and to view other warnings and media releases.