Dead whale leaves Clarence River unsafe for swimmers for a week
A marine biologist warns swimmers to avoid the Clarence River for a week after a dead whale was removed.
A juvenile humpback whale was found dead on a sandbar near Iluka on the Mid North Coast after being left there for more than a day. The carcass was removed and taken out to sea on Sunday afternoon.
Marine biologist Culum Brown from Macquarie University said the smell would attract sharks for kilometres around. The Department of Primary Industries issued a shark warning on social media.
Swimmers should stay out of the river and nearby beaches for about a week, Brown advised. The whale had travelled 11 kilometres up the river, which is extremely unusual for the species.
- 11 kilometres
- Distance up river
- 1:30pm Saturday
- Notification time
- Sunday afternoon
- Removal time
- about a week
- Water closure duration
Why it mattersThe smell will draw sharks into the area, creating a real safety risk for anyone swimming or diving in the river.
AustraliaThe Mid North Coast of NSW is a popular spot for water sports and tourism; this one-week warning affects locals and visitors across the region.
Open this story in InSnip →
