Oil spill in Shark Bay World Heritage area

8/11/04
An oil slick approximately 8-12km long has been reported in the Shark Bay World Heritage area.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the spill was reported to Department for Planning and Infrastructure (DPI) staff in Fremantle late this morning.
Ms MacTiernan said the spill had affected an area between Crayfish Bay and False Entrance on the Western side of Dirk Hartog Island.
"Two members of the DPI Environment Protection Unit have been sent to the area and should arrive at the site in the morning," she said.
While within the designated World Heritage Area, the spill is not within Shark Bay itself.
Dirk Hartog Island is the most important nesting site for Loggerhead Turtles in Western Australia.
"The members of our Environment Protection Unit will be assessing the nature and extent of the spill to determine what action needs to be taken," the Minister said.
The location of the oil spill is extremely remote and subject to very rough seas.
The DPI will be working with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to identify the polluter.
Shark Bay is renowned for its diverse marine fauna and was placed on the World Heritage List in 1991.
Minister's office: 9213-6400