Authorities will attempt to tag the sharks lured to shore by the decomposing whale carcass at City Beach after several were spotted circling the area.
It’s understood three shark-fishing drum lines are in the water this morning from a boat just off City Beach, where the decomposing whale remains.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development confirmed on Tuesday it was seizing the opportunity to do some tagging while the sharks are lingering close to the beach.
None of the sharks spotted swirling the carcass on Monday were tagged. Some were reportedly as big as 5m in length, and just 10m from the beach.
It comes as authorities come to terms with the practicalities of removing the whale carcass which washed ashore on Monday about 7.30am.
Hundreds turned out for a glimpse of the 13m humpback whale on Monday after its reported stranding triggered a shark frenzy, and there are crowds of people back at the beach this morning.
Several sharks, including great whites, swam just metres from the shore as members of the public stood alongside the whale - estimated to weigh about 31 tonnes - with some even deciding to reach out and touch it.
No sharks circling the carcass were tagged, however the public, Westpac helicopter, and Surf LIfe Saving WA, made several reports throughout the day of their sightings.
Great white sharks in varying sizes between three and five metres were reported swimming 10 and 15m from the shore near the carcass throughout the morning and afternoon.
A tagged white shark pinged receivers just north of the carcass at City Beach later in the day, once at 4.34pm, another time at 11.27pm and again at 11.32pm.
A white shark also pinged the Floreat receiver five times between 8.06pm and 10.08pm.
The removal of the whale is in the hands of the Town of Cambridge, but it’s not yet known when the animal will be removed or where it will be taken.
“This is a complex and potentially hazardous operation involving a very large carcass, heavy machinery and specialist personnel, and we need to ensure we can do this safely before work begins,” Cambridge council mayor Gary Mack said.
“Our focus is on removing the carcass intact as much as possible, at the earliest safe opportunity.”
He said public safety would determine when City Beach reopens, but it could be several days.
“Wild carcasses attract sharks, and people nor their pets should actually go into the water at all while the beach is closed and should look after their personal safety,” Mr Mack said.
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