Shark warning after dead whale washes up near Floodgates surfing area at Muttonbird Beach near Albany

A dead whale has washed up on a south coast beach sparking a shark alert for the popular surfing spot near Albany.

A member of the public reported the sighting at 7.19am on Wednesday.

The carcass was spotted on the shore at the Floodgates surfing spot, where the Torbay Inlet meets the sea, about 1.5km from the Muttonbird Beach carpark.

Authorities have warned that the decaying whale could attract sharks closer to the beach.

Beachgoers are advised to take extra care in the area, adhere to any beach closures and check for shark activity on SharkSmart or Surf Life Saving WA.

The beach is a popular site for walkers, surfers, and sightseers and whales are frequently spotted in the water during winter and late spring.

If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600.