SWIMMERS and anglers should be cautious with three tagged bronze whaler sharks being detected more than 300 times in the past week in Warnbro Sound.
The sharks have been detected every day at regular intervals since October 2.
Warnbro Sound stretches from Port Kennedy in the south to Shoalwater in the north and is a popular fishing and swimming area.
In 2008 a man was killed by a shark in Warnbro Sound at the dog beach near Cote D'Azur Gardens, Port Kennedy.
Department of Fisheries said it is not uncommon for sharks to be present off the coast throughout the year, but the recent number of detections and sightings had been unusual.
“It is possible the frequency or duration of the recent reported sightings and detections may increase the likelihood of encountering a shark in Perth metropolitan waters,” a Department of Fisheries spokesperson said.
“The change in activity may be due to a change in environmental conditions – such as the presence of schooling fish including Pink Snapper.”
The Department of Fisheries said they are unable to provide advice on the likely duration of the environmental conditions and it was possible it may continue for some time.
Fisheries advised that people should obey beach closures advised by local government rangers or Surf Life Saving WA and take extra caution along the Perth coast, including offshore islands; by swimming at patrolled beaches, not surfing or diving close to the areas of main concern and keeping away from large schools of fish.
“At this time of year many beaches are not patrolled fulltime, so water users need to take responsibility for their actions by staying up to date,” the spokesperson said.
People can keep informed of the latest detection and sighting information by checking the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA’s Twitter feed.
If anyone sees a shark they can report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.
