Washed up stingray, whale carcass spark shark warnings

In Victoria, two beaches in Cape Conran and Lake Tyers currently have two washed up, decomposing whale carcasses prompting authorities to issue a warning about increased shark activity.

The carcass in Lake Tyers, consisting mostly of blubber is approximately 5 metres long, 1 metre thick and 2 metres wide.

An official advisory on Facebook on December 14 said the remains were moving along the coast

The Victorian Fisheries Authority issued a warning about a whale carcass washed up near Cape Conran in East Gippsland.

The Blainesville's beaked whale was first reported on December 14 and is estimated to weigh around 1 tonne.

The Vic Emergency website urges visitors to avoid the area and not to enter the water at closed beaches.

"A whale carcass can attract sharks to the area and mean they are closer to the shore than normal," according to the Vic Emergency website.

A Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) spokesperson said the advice for Cape Conran and Lake Tyers had "been extended to alert beachgoers to the potential for increased shark activity close to shore".

"It's important for beachgoers, swimmers, surfers and divers to mindful of sharks no matter where you are and stay across the Vic Emergency app and website for the latest information."

.

Shark attacks in Victoria are uncommon, and there have been no fatalities in the state for more than 30 years.

In Queensland, a washed up stingray with large bite marks on its body has also prompted similar warnings.

The stingray was found on K'gari Beach with the bite marks believed to be from a shark.