DPaW remove whale carcass from popular South West surf beach

• SHARK WARNING: Whale carcass washes up on South West beach
• DETERRENT: Shark Shield device repels 90 per cent of great whites

IT was a whale of an effort to remove a 30 tonne Humpback carcass from a popular surfing beach in the State’s South West, taking six hours to get the job done.

The 13-metre carcass, which washed up on Honeycombs beach in Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and Ngari Capes Marine Park on Tuesday, was removed during a six-hour operation by Parks and Wildlife and Cowaramup-based Cowara Contractors.

Parks and Wildlife Blackwood District operations officer Ed Hatherley said the removal required 10 people, a traxcavator, excavator and skid steer loader in challenging conditions.

“After retrieving the carcass from the shallows, it was wrapped in tarpaulins, netting and chains, and was carefully manoeuvred by machinery up an incline, through a narrow gap in the dunes and down to a waiting semi-trailer with a low loader,” he said.

“The animal was then firmly secured in the trailer and transported to a landfill facility.”

Mr Hatherley said the male adult whale, which weighed about 30 tonnes, was removed because it posed a safety risk to surfers and visitors to the beach.

“Because the decomposing whale had the potential to attract sharks and was dangerously rolling around in the shallows, we made the quick decision to remove it,” he said.

“Moving a carcass of this size was challenging, but I am pleased that we were able to get the job done, and I thank the local community for their patience while the beach and surrounding roads were closed.”

Anyone who sees a troubled or stranded whale, or a whale carcass, should call the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.