A dead sperm whale has washed up at Forrest Caves beach at Phillip Island this weekend.

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Incident Controller Matt Green said: “The Sperm whale carcass is more than sixteen metres long, and was first reported on Saturday by members of the community, with Phillip Island Nature Park, DELWP and Parks Victoria staff heading straight out to investigate.”

“We are taping off the area around the carcass for the times it’s exposed at low tide and have taken some samples that will be sent to Museums Victoria for research”, Mr Green said.

“As there are no obvious signs of injury which may have resulted in this whale’s death, no further investigation will be undertaken by DELWP.

“We will be leaving the carcass in place after our assessment of a range of options was determined .

“Removal or burial with machinery would have too significant an impact on environmental and cultural values in the area.

“Allowing the carcass to break down naturally is also the simplest and most environmentally friendly method.

“We know the sight is attracting a lot of community interest, but it really is best for everyone to avoid the area.

“Traffic can often be challenging across the island in peak periods, and with the carpark full at Forrest Caves, extra sightseers are only adding to the issue.

“We’d also like to remind people that if they do head to this beach, you need to ensure you stay more than 300 metres away from the whale, and so do your dogs.

“The important Advice message warning beachgoers of the potential for extra sharks in the area will remain in place from Woolamai Beach through to Surf Beach, while we continue to monitor the situation” said Mr Green.

Further background information:

It is an offence for people or their dogs to be within 300 metres of a whale.

Whales are protected under the Wildlife Act – regardless if they are alive or dead.

It is an offence under the Wildlife Act for members of the public to interfere, take or be in possession of parts of a dead whale.

The washing up of a dead whale presents a unique opportunity to study potential cause of death as well as other unique biological and ecological information.

The information and samples taken will be accessible to researchers from around the world, through Museums Victoria.