By Fran Rimrod
A rotting 30 to 40 tonne humpback whale carcass that sparked a shark alert at a popular surfing beach in the state's South West will not be removed for another day.
The Department of Parks and Wildlife said the 12 metre carcass, which had washed up at Honeycombs Beach near Gracetown on Monday, likely died a few days ago.
The dead whale was spotted on the popular surfing beach on Monday.Credit: Elizabeth Christine Reed, Flor Marche wines
Parks and Wildlife coordinator Matthew Dasey said the whale would be removed by contractors on Wednesday.
"Because it is a popular surf location, the decomposing whale could attract sharks to the area, therefore we have decided to remove the animal in the interests of public safety," he said.
"In the meantime, we have closed the beach and installed signage at the site, and we urge people not to enter the water in the vicinity of the whale."
The removal of the mammal's body is likely to take several days and it will be transported to a landfill facility.
A shark alert has been issued for the area between Quininup and Wilyabrup and Honeycombs beach will remain closed until at least Thursday as the predators are attracted by the rotting whale scent.
While it's not uncommon for sharks to be present off the WA coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution while the whale carcass remains close to shore.