Beachgoers have been urged to stay clear of Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Heads after a whale carcass washed ashore.
An increase in shark activity was reported at Thirteenth Beach on Thursday afternoon with Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) saying a whale carcass can attract sharks to the area, which means they are closer to the shore than normal.
The warning has been issued for Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove.
While it is not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Victorian coast, you should exercise additional caution in the area, VFA said.
“Avoid the area. Stay informed and do not enter the water at closed beaches,” VFA said.
VFA is assisting wildlife officers and park rangers with the management of a whale carcass and is monitoring for shark sightings and providing advice to relevant authorities.
