Shark air patrols will start along the south west coast from this weekend.

The helicopter was funded through the State Government's $6million package to reduce shark hazards last year.

Flights will operate along the coast between Bunbury and Augusta over summer.

Fisheries minister Troy Buswell was in Busselton for the launch of the patrol season.

Mr Buswell said the helicopter will be used to prevent shark attacks and respond to emergency situations in the South West.

"Last year I think the helicopter participated in six search and rescue missions in liason with local police, so it's not just here to patrol the waters, that's very important, but it's also here to assist in emergency responses to help keep people safe in a range of circumstances," he said.

Fisheries minister Troy Buswell inspects the south west beach patrol helicopter in Busselton before patrols start today. ( Beau Pearson )

The helicopter will patrol a coastal area between Bunbury and Augusta daily until early February.

"The level of service which has historically been available in the metropolitan area has now been extended to the South West corner, that acknowledges the residential population here but also the significant number of people that visit the area here over the summer months," Mr Buswell said.