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Whale Carcass Removal Spurs Shark Activity and Beach Closures in Perth
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Whale Carcass Removal Triggers Shark Activity and Beach Closures
A 13-metre, 31-tonne humpback whale carcass washed ashore at City Beach early on Monday and was removed on October 1, 2026. While the beach remains closed, the presence of the carcass attracted several great-white sharks, some measured at more than five metres, prompting the City of Perth Surf Life Saving Club to cancel the Surf Life Saving WA Enduro Championship and suspend club-based training. City Beach, Floreat Beach and Swanbourne Beach stay closed, and swimmers at nearby Cottesloe have paused their daily 2-km PodSquad swims.
Background and Context
Shark sightings have risen along the south-west coastline since September, a period that coincides with the peak southern migration of humpback whales and the arrival of prey such as blue-fin tuna. The region recorded a third fatal shark attack this year, occurring on September 18 when 63-year-old Greg O’Neill was pulled underwater at Sorrento Beach. Recent attacks have intensified public debate over shark-mitigation measures, including barriers, drum lines and tagging programs.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that the southern migration period naturally draws sharks to the coast.
Gary Mack, mayor of the Town of Cambridge, said the removal operation—using a large crane after an excavator proved insufficient—cost between $60,000 and $100,000, and that towing the carcass out to sea was not endorsed by the government because it would remain a shark attractant.
Shane McGurk, founder of the Cottesloe swimming group PodSquad, called for an expanded shark-tagging program and investment in AI-powered drones to give swimmers real-time information on shark locations.
Data & Statistics
- Whale length: 13 metres; weight: 31 tonnes.
- Removal equipment: large crane hired by the Town of Cambridge.
- Estimated removal cost: $60,000–$100,000.
- Drum lines near the carcass caught two great-white sharks, which were tagged and released.
- A tagged white shark was detected near Scarborough on Thursday, according to the state government’s SharkSmart website.
Verbatim Quotes
“If you were going to be cautious about being in the water, this is the time,” — Mr Jenner, whale research director