Alert level:
A shark ADVICE has been issued due to a whale carcass reported offshore from Peppermint Grove beach, near the town of Capel.
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Situation:
Fisheries officers from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, along with an officer from the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and attractions, are currently responding to a report of a whale carcass, which is drifting approximately 400 metres offshore from the entrance to Peppermint Grove Beach.
Two reports were received by Water Police and both members of the public advised the carcass has remained in the area since this morning.
It is possible the carcass could drift further north and the officers are heading to the area in a patrol boat to assess the situation. At this stage it is not known if the whale carcass will remain in the area.
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.
While it's not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Western Australian coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution whist the officers attempt to confirm this report and then until the incident is resolved.
What to do:
Take additional caution in the Peppermint Grove Beach area.
Adhere to beach closures advised by Local Government Rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers or Surf Life Saving WA.
Use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website or Surf Life Saving WA's Twitter feed.
If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to land managers and relevant authorities and to the public on the SharkSmart website and Surf Life Saving WA Twitter feed.
What authorities are doing:
Fisheries officers will be attending the area onboard a patrol vessel, along with an officer from the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions.
Extra information:
Switch on your Sea Sense when you head to the beach. Stay informed by checking the Shark Activity Map on the SharkSmart website - sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity or the Surf Life Saving WA Twitter - twitter.com/SLSWA.
Check sharksmart.com.au/news for current alerts and warnings.
