Victorian Fisheries Authority issues shark warning for swimmers at Cape Conran, Lake Tyers Beach

Wildlife authorities are warning swimmers to exercise “additional caution” as a shark threat rises along one coastal region.

A whale carcass drifting in the waters off Victoria’s Gippsland coast has sparked an urgent shark warning, with wildlife authorities warning swimmers to exercise “additional caution”.

“Due to a whale carcass there could be an increase in shark activity,” the Victorian Fisheries Authority said on Wednesday morning.

“A whale carcass can attract sharks to the area and mean they are closer to the shore than normal.

“While it is not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Victorian coast, you should exercise additional caution in the area.”

Shark warnings were issued for Cape Conran and Lake Tyers Beach along Victoria's Gippsland coast. Picture: Google Maps

The warning has been issued for Cape Conran and Lake Tyers Beach and the department recommends swimmers “avoid the area, stay informed and do not enter the water at closed beaches”.

For nearby beaches, the department recommends swimmers swim, dive or surf with a friend, swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches, avoid swimming in places where human or animal waste enters the water and avoid large schools of fish, seals or other wildlife, “as these can attract sharks”.

The warning for Cape Conran and Lake Tyers Beach is expected to remain in place until January 2, 2024.

Sharks can congregate and feed on whale carcasses. Picture: Supplied

“The Victorian Fisheries Authority is monitoring for shark sightings and providing advice to relevant authorities,” the VFA said.

Australia has been hit with multiple shark attacks across 2023 and South Australian authorities brought forward aerial beach patrols two weeks earlier than planned in November following a spate of attacks, including two fatalities.

In May, teacher Simon Baccanello was believed to have been killed by a shark while surfing at Walkers Rock near Ellison on the west coast.

Surfer Toby Begg’s surfboard after his fight with a shark. Picture: 7 News

A witness claims he saw a shark drag Mr Baccanello underwater.

On October 31, surfer Tod Gendle was killed by a shark while he was surfing near Streaky Bay, with a monster 4m great white thought to be the culprit.

In August, NSW surfer Toby Begg suffered life-changing injuries when he was mauled by a shark near Port Macquarie.

Shark biologists have assessed photographs of the bite marks on Mr Begg’s surfboard and determined the shark responsible for the attack was likely a great white measuring between 3.8m and 4.2m.