Arabic version: جثة حوت في سيتي بيتش تدفع إلى جهود لوَسْم أسماك القرش

According to ABC News, authorities are seeking to tag sharks drawn to a dead whale at City Beach in Perth while the Town of Cambridge works out how to remove the 10-metre carcass and take it to landfill.

The whale washed up early the previous morning and remained on the beach. Sharks were seen within metres of the shoreline, and beaches in the Town of Cambridge were closed. Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis confirmed drum lines had been placed in the water as part of what she called “opportunistic tagging opportunities”.

Mayor Gary Mack said the council was obtaining quotes from contractors because towing the decomposing carcass out to sea was not viable. Ms Jarvis said moving it farther offshore in the current weather could cause it to break up and wash back to shore, potentially generating more shark activity.

Mr Mack said City Beach and Floreat Beach would remain closed until the carcass was removed. He said the council intended to act as soon as possible and would seek financial help from the state government. A whale removal at Scarborough Beach in 2014 cost $175,000.

Ms Jarvis said she had not been briefed on the expected cost. She said responsibility for such beach matters generally sits with local governments, while the Town of Cambridge and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions were involved in the issue.