Shark capture gear set up off Perth beach after numerous sightings

Shark capture gear has been set offshore from a Perth beach after an unprecedented 61 sightings in just over two months.

White sharks and bronze whalers are among the species spotted since June 6, mostly over a two-kilometre distance from Mettams Pool to Watermans Bay.

"This represents an unprecedented number of sightings over a sustained period of time and in a small stretch of water," the WA Department of Fisheries said today.

The department said there was no evidence of obvious or continuing environmental factors that could explain the large number of sightings or what might have attracted sharks to the area.

Beaches one kilometre either side of Bennion Beach have been closed, including the popular Trigg beach, until 7.30am tomorrow.