Ten circled by 3m shark near Busselton

Sharks have been busy along the Capes coastline in the past 24 hours, with several beaches closed and dozens cleared from the water.

At 3.40pm today, a 3m shark of unknown species was spotted by the Westpac chopper near the Abbey boat ramp about 100m from shore.

According to Surf Life Saving WA, it was circling ten people and the jetty siren was sounded to clear the water.

Just ten minutes earlier, a 2.5m shark of unknown species was spotted at Bunker Bay, east of Cape Naturaliste, swimming about 100m offshore and tracking east.

Some 50 people were cleared from the water and the beach was closed.

About 10.30am, the chopper detected two sharks of unknown species at Cape Mentelle Beach about 80m offshore, clearing three divers from the water.

About 45 minutes later, a 2.5m shark of unknown species was spotted at Quindalup, but it was determined the shark was no danger to the public.

While usually not aggressive towards humans, tagged bronze whalers prompted life savers to close Meelup beach on several occasions in the past 24 hours.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions today has also extended a beach closure for Canal Rocks near Yallingup until at least 6pm on January 16.

The closure is in place because of a decomposing whale – a known shark attractant – and extends 1km out to sea.

Yesterday’s sightings included a 2.5m shark south of Yallingup, a 2.5m shark north of Gracetown, a 2m shark north of Prevelly, a 2.5m shark at Quindalup and a 3m shark at Siesta Park groyne.

Ocean-goers can stay up to date on shark activity by checking sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity or following the Surf Life Saving WA Twitter page.