The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has announced that its SharkSmart WA app has surpassed 30,000 downloads in just 12 months.
Launched in October 2019, the app is part of the Department’s Shark Mitigation Strategy.
Minister for Fisheries, Peter Tinley said the app worked seamlessly alongside the SharkSmart website to deliver near real-time information on shark activity, including alerts and warnings, to beach-goers in Western Australia.
“It also provides information on Surf Life Saving WA-patrolled beaches, weather forecasts and the locations of the Shark Monitoring Network receivers,” Mr Tinley said.
“The most used feature on the app continues to be ‘updates’ which sorts the shark activity information according to a user’s favourite or other locations.”
He said SharkSmart users’ top five beach spots included Cottesloe Beach, Mullaloo, Scarborough Beach, Leighton Beach and City Beach, with the most viewed beach safety feature the location of shark monitoring receivers, followed by patrolled beach locations.
“It is great to see so many Western Australians thinking about their beach safety and downloading the free SharkSmart WA app,” Mr Tinley said.
“The app is an important communications tool for public safety and a key part of the Government’s Shark Mitigation Strategy.”
He said the app had been well supported by not only the local community but also by land managers and key stakeholders, including Surfing WA and Surf Life Saving WA.
“In the lead up to summer, I encourage Western Australians to download the app so they’re up-to-date on shark activity and beach safety information before heading for a swim,” the Minister said.
The SharkSmart WA app can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
