13th Beach Whale Carcass Update

Latest and Final Update

The whale carcass was removed on Thursday October 3 2024. Read more from DEECA. 

Background

In September 2024, a whale carcass washed ashore on 13th Beach, west of the Bluff near Barwon Heads. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has confirmed it was a 14-metre-long Fin Whale, weighing approximately 16 tonnes.

Management Approach

After careful consideration of various factors, including logistics and public safety, the agencies involved (DEECA, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Victorian Fisheries Authority, Parks Victoria and Life Saving Victoria) have collectively decided to allow the carcass to decompose naturally at this time. 

Key Points

• Natural decomposition is part of the marine ecosystem along our coastline.
• The situation is being continuously monitored.
• Large swells and high tides may move the carcass, and the approach will be reassessed if necessary.
• Removal was not previously viable due to the whale’s size, stage of decomposition, location, limited machinery access, and weather conditions.

Public Safety Measures

Several actions were implemented to ensure public safety:

• An exclusion zone was been established around the carcass.
• New signage was installed at access points along 13th Beach and the Bluff.
• Life Saving Victoria are conducting regular drone surveys to monitor for sharks.

Beach Access

Swimmers and surfers are always advised to check the Vic Emergency website before entering the water.

Important Reminders

Whales are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, even when deceased. It is an offence to interfere with, take, or possess parts of a deceased whale. Report any inappropriate behaviour to Crime Stoppers Victoria.

Stay Informed

We are work closely with DEECA and followed their recommendations throughout this process.
For any enquiries, please contact DEECA directly.

Current Situation 

Background

In September 2024, a whale carcass washed ashore on 13th Beach, west of the Bluff near Barwon Heads. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) has confirmed it was a 14-metre-long Fin Whale, weighing approximately 16 tonnes.

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Management Approach

After careful consideration of various factors, including logistics and public safety, the agencies involved (DEECA, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Victorian Fisheries Authority, Parks Victoria and Life Saving Victoria) collectively decided to allow the carcass to decompose naturally at this time in the first instance. 

Key Points

• Natural decomposition is part of the marine ecosystem along our coastline.
• The situation is being continuously monitored.
• Large swells and high tides may move the carcass, and the approach will be reassessed if necessary.
• Removal is not currently viable due to the whale’s size, stage of decomposition, location, limited machinery access, and weather conditions.

Public Safety Measures

Several actions have been implemented to ensure public safety:

• An exclusion zone has been established around the carcass.
• New signage has been installed at access points along 13th Beach and the Bluff.
• A shark warning remains in place for the area.
• Life Saving Victoria are conducting regular drone surveys to monitor for sharks.

Beach Access

• The beach outside the exclusion zone remains open. 
• Swimmers and surfers are advised to check the Vic Emergency website before entering the water.

Important Reminders

• Whales are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, even when deceased.
• It is an offence to interfere with, take, or possess parts of a deceased whale. – Report any inappropriate behaviour to Crime Stoppers Victoria.

Stay Informed

For the most up-to-date information, please check the VicEmergency website or app.

We are working closely with DEECA and following their recommendations throughout this process. For any enquiries, please contact DEECA directly.