Tagged shark detection receivers, warning towers installed

Sorrento Beach is one of several locations along the City of Joondalup’s coastline to benefit from new shark monitoring infrastructure this summer, including a Shark Warning System tower.

This new tower, one of four to be installed in time for summer, uses lights, sirens, and audio broadcasts to warn beach users of shark activity in the area.

It acts on information sent to it from a network receiver that was formerly 2.5km off Mullaloo and has been moved 5.63km south, and inshore, to its new location off Sorrento.

After the removal of the Sorrento Beach Enclosure in November last year, the City of Joondalup has worked closely with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) on alternative shark mitigation measures.

To expand and improve the network coverage along the local coastline, two other receivers were also relocated. The Ocean Reef receiver is now 700 metres south of its previous location, while the Mullaloo (North) receiver was relocated about 200 metres north. The location of the receiver at Mullaloo (South) has not changed.

Each solar-power receiver features the latest technology and connects to a digital phone network.

The towers, located at beaches adjacent to each receiver, are activated automatically if a shark is detected in the area.

From October to April, the towers are activated daily from 5.00am – 7.00pm. For the rest of the year, they operate between
6.00am – 6.00pm.

City of Joondalup Rangers can manually activate each tower from a mobile device, following any reports of a shark sighting.

Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said the City’s positive working relationship with DPIRD had resulted in a great outcome for local beachgoers.

“By working collaboratively with the State Government, we are providing a safer swimming environment for the tens of thousands of people who will visit our coastline this summer.

“Joondalup is an innovative local government and the use of state-of-the-art technology, as part of a holistic approach to shark mitigation strategies, is something we endorse.”

Further information – protecting beachgoers

• Surf Life Saving WA receives partial funding for patrolled beach lifeguard services at Mullaloo and Sorrento from Tuesday 1 November – Sunday 30 April.
• Coastal aerial patrols have commenced and will run until Sunday April 30 2023.
• DPIRD has tagged 152 white sharks in WA waters since 2009, with 91 tagged since January 2017. The research data collected helps to inform their evidence-based shark mitigation strategy.
• The City of Joondalup has installed 65 Beach Emergency Numbers (BEN) signs at local beaches to help improve emergency response times.