Southern right whale carcass sparks shark alert at Albany beach, ‘cannot be removed’ due to remote location

A southern right whale carcass which has sparked a shark alert at an Albany beach cannot be removed because of its remote location.

Fisheries issued the alert on Wednesday morning after a member of the public spotted the carcass washed up at Sharp Point beach in Torndirrup National Park.

Parks and Wildlife Service officers inspected the carcass and identified it as a juvenile southern right whale.

“It is possible the decomposing carcass will act as an attractant that could lead to sharks coming close in to shore along this stretch of coast,” Fisheries said.

“While it’s not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Western Australian coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution.”

People were advised to exercise caution in the Sharp Point area, adhere to beach closures and report shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600.

“Fisheries officers are monitoring the situation and providing advice to relevant authorities,” Fisheries said.

“Due to the remote location and difficulties accessing the area, the carcass cannot be removed.”