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Government of Western Australia
Acknowledgement of Country

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country, the Aboriginal people of the many lands that we work on and their language groups throughout Western Australia and recognise their continuing connection to the land and waters.

We respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of our regions and we pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

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© DPIRD

Science

Research is a crucial element of the Western Australian Government’s shark mitigation strategy.

Meet some of our sharks

White Shark 003 The wanderer

Tagged at a whale carcass off the Kimberley coast, WA003 has traveled hundreds of kilometres, giving scientists key insights into migration patterns.

Learn its story
WA007 - The curious one

First detected near Ningaloo Reef, WA007’s adventurous routes help researchers understand shark behaviour near popular swimming areas.

Learn its story
WA012 - The reef explorer

This curious shark was tagged while investigating the coral reefs near Ningaloo. Its movements help scientists understand how sharks interact with marine ecosystems near popular snorkeling areas.

Learn its story
White Shark 003 The wanderer

Tagged at a whale carcass off the Kimberley coast, WA003 has traveled hundreds of kilometres, giving scientists key insights into migration patterns.

Learn its story
WA007 - The curious one

First detected near Ningaloo Reef, WA007’s adventurous routes help researchers understand shark behaviour near popular swimming areas.

Learn its story
WA012 - The reef explorer

This curious shark was tagged while investigating the coral reefs near Ningaloo. Its movements help scientists understand how sharks interact with marine ecosystems near popular snorkeling areas.

Learn its story
The Curious Chad
The Curious Chad

Testing of the search, will it find wiggly wobbly

Learn its story

Shark science

DPIRD

Research

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Shark activity map
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Staying safe
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Sharks
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DPIRD

The SharkSmart program has a strong evidence-based focus, backed by science. The Western Australian Government supports a variety of research projects and initiatives to enhance our understanding of shark biology and ecology and better inform our policies.

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Image for DPIRD
© copyright 2026 • Source: DPIRD
Image for DPIRD
© copyright 2026 • Source: DPIRD

Shark tagging program

Our dedicated shark tagging program supports the Shark Monitoring Network and the department’s shark research.

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Two researchers on a boat tag a large shark in the water for research purposes, holding it with ropes.
© DPIRD
Two researchers on a boat tag a large shark in the water for research purposes, holding it with ropes.
© DPIRD

Movement

Our research to better understand white shark movements and population sizes helps to inform our shark mitigation strategies.

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tagged white shark swimming underwater

Shark activity summary

Sharks are present along our coast all year. Check the stats on what we’ve seen this season.

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Surfer riding inside a clear blue wave tube near a sandy beach under a sunny sky.

Shark monitoring network

The Shark Monitoring Network is a network of acoustic receivers, which provide land managers, relevant authorities and the public with near real-time alerts of tagged shark detections at key locations.

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Two people kayaking in an orange kayak on a calm lake, with boats and houses on a tree-lined shore in the background.
Two people kayaking in an orange kayak on a calm lake, with boats and houses on a tree-lined shore in the background.

Scientific publications

Research is a crucial element of the SharkSmart program.

The following research reports have been published as we continue to investigate ways to enhance and expand existing shark mitigation strategies.

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Image for Scientific publications
© DPIRD
Image for Scientific publications
© DPIRD
Shark Warning System upgrade in time for summer
© Shark warning system • Source: DPIRD
Shark Warning System upgrade in time for summer
© DPIRD • Source: DPIRD
tagged white shark swimming underwater
© DPIRD • Source: DPIRD
Surfer riding inside a clear blue wave tube near a sandy beach under a sunny sky.
© Shark warning system • Source: DPIRD

Trials

The Western Australian Government supports a suite of projects focused on developing innovative, non-lethal shark detection and deterrent technologies to help keep WA beachgoers safe.

Learn more