A Department of Fisheries shark patrol boat will return to Fremantle today after a week-long search for several large sharks that posed a threat at beaches in the south west.

The sharks were spotted near Eagle Bay, Meelup Beach and Bunker Bay, prompting the Director General of Fisheries to issue a kill or capture order.

It is the first time authorities have attempted to use their powers to either capture or destroy a shark considered an imminent threat.

The department says there's been a lack of sightings over the past few days and the imminent threat order has been lifted.

A smaller vessel will continue to monitor the area.