GRANT District Mayor Richard Sage has called on surfers to avoid Finger Point near Port MacDonnell amid fears the decomposing humpback whale could lead to a shark attack.
It is understood sharks have been feeding on the dead mammal at the popular surfing spot, which has been left to decompose on the beach over the next six months.
Oil, blood and flesh matter from the 9m long carcass is spilling into the water and attracting large sharks.
While some nervous surfers have avoided the area, a number were spotted in waters near the site over the weekend enjoying the waves.
At Grant District Council’s full meeting, questions were raised about whether the dead whale could be moved and buried to protect surfers.
“A shark attack in that area is a real concern – sharks who feed on burley can be quite ferocious,” Mr Sage explained.
He said a white pointer had been spotted offshore at Port McDonnell in recent weeks, which was fuelling concerns.
“While local surfers may know the humpback is there, visitors may not – surfers and swimmers need to be aware,” Mr Sage warned.
Council works manager Adrian Schutz said it would be difficult to get machinery onto the beach to remove the whale.
“I think the plan by the department is to leave it there to decompose naturally because it was not near houses and there is no smell inconvenience,” Mr Schutz said.
If the mammal was placed on an excavator, he questioned what council would do with it.
“I don’t think burying the whale is an option – you would be lucky to get a four-wheel-drive on that beach at times,” Mr Schutz said.
However, Mr Sage said he would like to see warning signs placed in the area.
But Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) spokesperson Drew Laslett said yesterday there were no intentions of placing signs in the area.
However, he reissued a warning to surfers to be “mindful” there could be sharks in the vicinity.
The South Australian Museum has collected genetic samples from the beached whale.
Senior research scientist and Australian Mammal Society president Dr Catherine Kemper said staff had not yet determined a cause of death.
Dr Kemper said the carcass would remain at Finger Point until it decomposed naturally.
