Shark alert issued after dead pilot whale spotted at Lowlands, a popular tourist beach 35km west of Albany

A dead 2m, long-finned pilot whale has been found beached at Lowlands, about 35km west of Albany, prompting a shark alert from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. The City of Albany has installed warning signage at the site, advising the public to follow safety protocols and not go into the water in the area. Photographer Chris Meuzelaar said he had been told about the whale on Tuesday night and went to the beach to photograph it on Wednesday morning. He had also informed the DBCA. A DBCA spokesperson confirmed the whale was dead and identified its species. “Parks and Wildlife Service officers have confirmed a two-metre, long-finned pilot whale stranded at Lowlands beach is deceased, following a report received at 9am on Wednesday, November 26,” they said. “The carcass will be left to decompose naturally as it is in a remote location with no access by vehicle or machine. “A shark alert is in place to advise the public on safety protocols.” The DBCA also advised the public to keep up to date via the Shark Smart website. Lowlands is between West Cape Howe National Park and Wilson Inlet and is a popular spot for surfing and fishing.