Coogee and Maroubra beaches have been closed as a precaution after a whale carcass washed up on the rocks between the two busy swimming and surfing spots in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The local council said it was working with rangers and the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries on the whale’s removal from a “difficult-to-access location surrounded by cliffs and rock ledge”. The council said it was considering closing the surrounding area and rock shelf walkway to manage crowds on the popular coastal walk.
Our focus is to manage and limit any impact to swimmers and surfers at nearby beaches.” The council is encouraging residents and visitors to avoid the area and follow directions from lifeguards and authorities. It comes as authorities are working to free a large whale found stuck in shallow waters off off Turners Beach on Tasmania’s north-west coast. Curious locals have stopped by Lurline Bay throughout the morning to try catch a glimpse of the whale.
Meeri Pajala, an au pair from Finland who is living in Sydney, said she had never seen anything like this before. It was nudging up against the rocks as the waves ebbed and flowed but has become stuck in a crevice due to low tide. To the surprise of many onlookers, it doesn’t seem to have a smell.
Authorities are still determining what species it is, and how the carcass arrived in the bay but it is believed to have died some time ago.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
