WA’s shark monitoring network went down more than once a month in 2024 despite using latest digital technology

Despite relying on the latest digital technology, stretches of WA’s shark monitoring network went out more than once a month last year. Forty acoustic receivers are in place to detect tagged sharks in near real-time at spots along Perth’s vast coast, the Swan and Canning Rivers as well as popular regional swimming spots at Geographe Bay, Yallingup, Gracetown, Albany and Esperance. Swimmers were warned Monday of a partial outage at Smiths Beach in Yallingup, with a similar warning issued for Gracetown less than two weeks earlier. This comes as it can be confirmed there were 12 unplanned and two planned outages last year, with 12 unplanned and four planned outages in 2023. “Outages have occurred for various technical, environmental or physical reasons — including broken moorings, boat strike, hardware issues, computer or system issues,” a Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development spokesperson said. The Department is set to spend $850,000 on Shark Monitoring Network in the upcoming financial year, which includes shark tagging and technical support. A spokesperson said the network is monitored to ensure effective operations and back-up procedures to inform the community of outages. “The Shark Monitoring Network utilises a range of equipment and technologies, primarily sourced from a global leader in technologically advanced aquatic solutions for aquaculture and fish tracking,” they said. “DPIRD also works with external providers to restore offline receivers to full operational status as soon as possible. “Since mid-2023, all receivers were upgraded to use the latest generation of digital receiver technology with an improved detection range, connected to the digital phone network and using solar power with a rechargeable battery.” The figures have emerged after a spate of recent shark attacks in WA over the holiday period. A teen was bitten on the leg at Pyramids Beach south of Mandurah last month. The 15-year-old surfer, Zac Hlaing, said he was standing and waiting for a wave when he felt the predator latch onto his surf board. Days earlier, 12-year-old James Sweetman was attacked by a shark at a popular Mid West beach. He was treated at Geraldton Hospital for the bite on his leg before later being discharged.