Surf Life Saving WA says there’s been a more than a 60 percent increase in sightings, with sharks spotted on more than 430 occasions, with the largest increase in sightings during February this year.

The WA government Shark Smart alert page has reported 17 shark alert and warnings since start of 2025.

Operations officer at Recfishwest Levi De Boni says the increase in sharks across WA have been on a steady rise.

“Some of the species are moving further south with increasing water temperature,” he says.

Mr De Boni stresses the importance of teaching young fisherman to be cautious when encountering sharks.

“Educating fishers is a big one, trying to encourage people to move spots if they get sharks.”

UWA shark researcher Dr Oliver Jewell says the increase in shark population has improved in recent years.

“It’s quite complex because sharks encompass so many different species,” he says.

There has been one reported death since the start of 2025 with a surfer killed off a beach near Esperance by a shark.

Dr Jewell stresses when confronting a shark, it’s important to remain calm and not present yourself in a vulnerable position.

“It’s also good to swim with someone as a buddy. Stay facing it (the shark) as much as you can to see where it is and try to make yourself look big,” he says.

Dr Jewell says climate change can impact the areas where sharks swim and hunt for food.

He says people should use the Shark Smart app for reporting sightings, and identification.