29/09/2025
π¦ Shark Sightings
Monday (afternoon, Sept 22)
Multiple bull sharks, ~2m long, were seen 10m offshore near the Rottnest Express ferry terminal in Fremantle.
Tuesday (Sept 23, morning & late morning)
A video captured six bull sharks swimming near the North Fremantle traffic bridge.
At 11:30am, another report confirmed a group of 1.5m-long bull sharks near the bridge.
Wednesday (Sept 24, 1:30pm)
A swarm of bull sharks was still present near the traffic bridge.
SharkSmart confirmed at least two separate Fremantle locations with repeated sightings in less than 48 hours.
π¨ Beach Closures
The City of Fremantle closed beaches βuntil further noticeβ due to the sightings.
Closures affect the stretch of the Swan River:
From Crab Bay (next to the traffic bridge)
To Pier 21 Marina (near John Street).
π Government & Research Response
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) confirmed the sharks were bull sharks.
They are deploying a boat for tagging research in the Swan Canning Estuary.
Shark monitoring receivers already operate at East Fremantle, Blackwall Reach, and near Canning Bridge, providing near real-time alerts.
Residents are urged to report shark sightings immediately to WA Water Police (9442 8600).
β οΈ Historical Context
The location has tragic significance:
Feb 4, 2023: 16-year-old Stella Berry was fatally attacked by a bull shark while swimming near the North Fremantle traffic bridge. This was the first fatal shark attack in the river in 100 years (previous was in 1923).
Other encounters:
2021: Cameron Wrathall, bitten on thigh at Blackwall Reach.
2022: Bailey Haffner bumped by a shark at Matilda Bay.
2025 (Feb): Georgina Smithβs canoe bitten at Blackwall Reach, throwing her into the water.
π§ Environmental Factors
Bull sharks are one of the few shark species that tolerate freshwater.
Theyβre responsible for ~90% of Australian shark fatalities (alongside great whites & tiger sharks).
Rainfall link: Heavy rains can drive sharks into estuaries due to salinity shifts.
2025 is WAβs wettest winter since 1996, which marine biologists suggest may explain the activity spike.