'Aggressive shark activity' prompts delayed start to 2019 Margaret River Pro

PIC: File

The World Surf League has confirmed the Margaret River Pro will remain in Western Australia, but next year's starting date has been postponed.

The Margaret River Pro Surfing competition, which is a huge tourist draw for the region, will go ahead in 2019, despite being cancelled earlier this year.

In April the decision was made to suspend the event before cancelling it entirely, following two separate shark attacks in waters near competition.

World Surf League commissioner Kieren Perrow confirmed competition would return to Western Australia's south west in 2019.

"Margaret River has been a key stop on the (Championship Tour) for several seasons now and we had the unique and unfortunate circumstance of having to cancel this season's event due to aggressive shark activity in the area," he said in a statement.

"Working with our surfers, event partners and the local community, we've moved the dates of the Margaret River event later in the year to improve the pacing of the season as well as ensure the best chance for world-class conditions at all breaks."

The event is scheduled to start in late May, rather than in April. There is still talk of moving the event in coming years further up the coast to Kalbarri or north of Carnarvon.

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