Shark near WA beach to be caught

A catch and kill order has been issued for a white shark that has been sighted off a popular Western Australian beach for two weeks.

The tagged shark has been seen within one kilometre of the shore in Warnbro Sound in Perth's south over consecutive days.

Department of Fisheries spokesman Rick Fletcher said numerous mitigation strategies to move the shark on had failed and it now posed a serious threat to public safety because of an increase in day-time detections.

Dr Fletcher said the decision was made in light of the lead-up to Christmas and school holidays, combined with warm and sunny weather, which is likely to attract people to the beach for swimming, fishing and diving.

Warnbro Beach will remain closed until Saturday, when the situation will be reviewed.