People

Although physically larger than some European nations, Shark Bay has a permanent population of fewer than 1,000 people. There are two main population centres – the town of Denham with a population of about 600, and the closed salt mining town of Useless Loop.

Most people earn their livelihood from industries that rely on the natural environment – tourism, fishing, pastoralism, and conservation management. Shark Bay’s inclusion on the World Heritage List in 1991 is due to its natural values and ensures recognition of obligations to care for them.

Find out more about the people of Shark Bay through the Shire of Shark Bay.