Authorities have closed another beach in Perth following the discovery of whale remains near the shoreline, warning that residual material from the carcass could attract sharks as the region prepares for the busy summer beach season.
The latest incident occurred at Sorrento Beach, where officials removed the tail of a whale carcass after surf lifesavers alerted authorities to its presence. Although the remains were subsequently cleared, beaches in the surrounding area remained closed as a precaution against potential shark activity.
The City of Joondalup said the closures would remain in place because “residue from where the whale carcass was beached may attract sharks to the area”.
The discovery marks the second whale carcass to reach Perth’s beaches within a week and the third reported along the city’s coastline in the past month, intensifying concerns over beach safety ahead of the seasonal increase in visitors.
The latest closure has renewed attention on Sorrento Beach, which was shut approximately five weeks ago following a fatal shark attack on Perth resident Greg O’Neill. The father was swimming close to the shore when he was attacked and killed by a large great white shark.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), working alongside other relevant agencies, is monitoring the situation, according to information provided through the government’s SharkSmart application.
The latest discovery follows another whale carcass incident on Thursday, when a partially decomposed whale measuring approximately three metres washed ashore at South Cottesloe Beach. The discovery prompted authorities to close all beaches in the surrounding area, while the remains were later buried at the Red Hill Waste Management Facility.
Earlier, on September 27, a much larger humpback whale carcass, measuring 13 metres and weighing an estimated 72 tonnes, washed ashore at South City Beach. Its removal required the use of an excavator.
With multiple whale strandings reported along the coastline in recent weeks, authorities are maintaining precautionary measures to reduce potential risks to swimmers and other beach users.
Meanwhile, the Western Australian government is strengthening its shark safety initiatives, including an expansion of its shark-tagging programme. Officials are also considering the deployment of artificial intelligence-powered drones as part of broader efforts to monitor coastal waters and improve beachgoer safety.
The recurring discoveries come as Perth approaches the summer period, when warmer weather typically draws more people to beaches, increasing the importance of timely warnings, effective monitoring and public compliance with safety restrictions.
