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Sharks linger near beached whale carcass at City Beach as removal delayed

Authorities deploy drum lines to tag sharks, but experts question effectiveness as beach remains closed

By LineZotpaper
Published
Read Time2 min
Sources2 outlets
The removal of a 13-metre whale carcass from the shoreline south of City Beach has been delayed until Wednesday due to equipment unavailability, while authorities attempt to tag sharks attracted to the remains, though experts doubt the predators will take the bait.

A 13-metre whale was spotted beached at 7.30am on Monday morning, quickly drawing a number of great white sharks, some more than five metres long, into the shallows. The carcass was reported by Surf Life Saving WA, and its helicopter observed sharks gathering near Swanbourne, just south of City Beach, around 10.30am. By 2.45pm, the helicopter reported three four-metre great white sharks circling about 15 metres from the shore. A small hammerhead was also seen heading south from Trigg Beach towards the carcass, and two tiger sharks were reported further south at Cottesloe Beach.

With the beach closed to the public, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development has deployed three drum lines to tag curious sharks. However, shark experts are not convinced the predators will take the bait. The whale carcass was originally scheduled for removal on Tuesday, but the Town of Cambridge pushed that back by a day as the necessary lifting and transport equipment is not available until Wednesday.

A shark expert warned the lingering scent of the whale could draw sharks to City Beach for weeks, prolonging the risk to swimmers even after the carcass is removed. The combination of the carcass and the ongoing presence of multiple shark species, including great whites, hammerheads, and tiger sharks, has heightened concerns along the Perth coastline.

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Analysis

Why This Matters

  • The delayed removal of the whale carcass prolongs the presence of multiple shark species, including great whites, near a popular metropolitan beach, posing an ongoing safety risk to beachgoers.
  • The incident highlights the challenges of managing shark hazards when large marine carcasses attract predators, particularly when equipment for removal is not readily available.
  • The outcome of the tagging operation could inform future management strategies for similar events, but expert skepticism suggests it may not deter sharks.

Background

City Beach is a well-known swimming and surfing spot in Perth's western suburbs. Beached whale carcasses are a known attractant for sharks, which can linger in the area feeding on the remains for days or weeks. In Western Australia, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development runs a shark mitigation program that includes drum lines for tagging and monitoring, though the effectiveness of such methods in diverting sharks from a major food source is debated.

Key Perspectives

Authorities (Town of Cambridge and DPIRD): They are prioritising public safety by closing the beach and using drum lines to tag sharks, aiming to track their movements and provide early warnings. The removal delay is logistical, not a lack of urgency. Shark Experts: They doubt the drum lines will succeed in tagging the sharks because the carcass provides a far more attractive food source than the bait on the lines. They warn the scent trail could keep sharks in the area for weeks. Local Residents and Beachgoers: They face an extended closure of a popular beach, with possible economic impacts on local businesses and frustration over the delayed removal, balanced against safety concerns.

What to Watch

  • Whether the drum lines successfully tag any of the great white sharks or other species present.
  • The scheduled removal of the whale carcass on Wednesday and whether it proceeds as planned.
  • Reports of shark sightings at City Beach and nearby beaches in the weeks following removal, indicating how long the scent lingers.

Sources

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