Public urged to stay clear as shark risk lingers near decomposing whale

AUTHORITIES are again urging beachgoers to steer clear of the coastline where the carcass of a 10-metre humpback whale washed up along the Great Ocean Road last week, amid growing concerns of increased shark activity.

The dangerous animal warning, issued earlier today by the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA), advises the public to stay away from the area, with the decomposing whale likely to attract sharks closer to the shore around Wongarra, where the juvenile whale appeared last Monday (June 30).

“A whale carcass can attract sharks to the area and mean they are closer to the shore than normal,” the warning states.

“While it is not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Victorian coast, you should exercise additional caution in the area.”

The carcass was first spotted floating off the Apollo Bay coast on Saturday, June 28, before it beached on Monday about 500 metres east of Carisbrook Falls, between Kennett River and Skenes Creek.

Due to the whale’s rocky and hard-to-reach location, wildlife officers have confirmed it will remain in place and signage has been installed urging the public to avoid the area.

The VFA is continuing to monitor the situation and is assist wildlife officers and park rangers with management of the whale carcass.

Shark sightings can be reported by phoning Triple Zero on 000 or by notifying lifesavers at patrolled beaches.