Perth beaches reopen after whale carcass and bacteria concerns

Several beaches in Perth, including City Beach and Floreat Beach, have reopened to recreational water activities following the removal of a 31-tonne humpback whale carcass and subsequent water quality testing.

Initial testing conducted after the carcass was removed revealed high levels of E. coli bacteria, leading the Town of Cambridge to close local beaches as a precaution. The presence of the decomposing whale had also attracted significant shark activity to the area.

Following remediation efforts and new laboratory results, the Department of Health advised that water quality has returned to acceptable limits. While most Cambridge council beaches are now open, some areas, such as Swanbourne beach in the Town of Nedlands, remained closed as of recent reports.