There are also a number of small communities; they are Useless Loop (a now-closed mining site), Monkey Mia (a popular resort where dolphins come in), Nanga and Hamelin Pool.

[3] The Shire is divided into three wards: The towns and localities of the Shire of Shark Bay with population and size figures based on the most recent Australian census:[4][5] Major employers include the salt works at Useless Loop along with the fishing industry and the various retail outlets meeting the needs of the tourist industry.

Local industries include tourism, fishing, salt, pearl marine culturing, mining of shell grit and various pastoral activities.

The creation of the Shark Bay World Heritage Site has created significant impact[clarification needed] on the community within the shire area.

[27] The Shire of Shark Bay has a mild arid tropical climate, with mean daily maximum temperatures ranging from 22 °C (72 °F) in July to 32 °C (90 °F) in February.