Source : Perth Now news
Beachgoers at two of Sydney’s most prominent beaches have been met with a grisly sight after the bloated carcass of a whale calf was spotted washed up on the shore.
Coogee and Maroubra beaches have been closed until further notice due to fears of increased shark activity after the carcass of a baby whale was spotted floating off Lurline Bay on Thursday morning.
Footage of the whale taken by Candace Warner shows the creature being washed up against the rocks at Lurline Bay.
“Bit of sad news, I’ve woken up and there is a dead whale in front of our home,” she said.
“I’m not too sure what is meant to happen in a situation like this, but (it’s) really really sad.”
Randwick City Council published a video of the carcass washing up against the rocks and said authorities were in the process of working out how to remove the dead creature from the area.
“As a precaution, Maroubra and Coogee beaches will remain closed until further notice while lifeguards monitor the situation and work with local stakeholders and authorities to arrange the whale’s removal,” council wrote.
Randwick Mayor Clare Willington said council was working with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Gamay Rangers to “manage the incident safely and be culturally respectful”.
A whale carcass has washed up between Maroubra and Coogee beach.
The whale is a culturally significant totem animal to the local Bidjigal people, and there are specific Indigenous disposal practices for the creatures in the event they wash up on local beaches.
“This is a natural occurrence and in time, nature will deal with the carcass. Our focus is to manage and limit any impact to swimmers and surfers at nearby beaches,” Dr Willington said.
“Council is encouraging residents and visitors to avoid the area and follow all directions from lifeguards, lifesavers and authorities.”
More to come
