Decomposed whale washes ashore at Thirteenth Beach, Victoria

A decomposed humpback whale carcass measuring 14 meters was found at Thirteenth Beach in Victoria's south on Friday morning, following reports that it had washed ashore the previous night. The presence of the carcass has led to the closure of several nearby surfing beaches, including those between Ocean Grove and Thirteenth Beach, as officials aim to protect surfers and bathers from potential shark activity attracted by the remains. Local photographer Steve Arklay noted the unpleasant smell emanating from the carcass, which is expected to worsen over time. He mentioned that parts of the whale's tail had already broken off and were floating in the surf. Authorities, including the Victorian Fisheries Authority and wildlife officers, are currently managing the situation, monitoring for shark sightings and advising relevant agencies. While locals have been allowed to approach the carcass, there are strict regulations in place regarding interaction with the whale, as they are protected under Victoria's Wildlife Act. This law prohibits people and their pets from coming within 300 meters of the whale and forbids any interference with its remains. Historically, whale carcasses have washed up on this beach, with a similar incident occurring four years ago that left locals frustrated over the lack of timely removal. The current situation raises concerns about public safety and environmental impact, as the decomposing whale could attract more sharks to the area, posing risks to beachgoers. Humpback whales are known to migrate from Antarctic waters to eastern Australia between April and November, where they mate and give birth. This migration period offers opportunities for whale watching, but the presence of a carcass can disrupt local marine ecosystems and beach activities.