Fourth Whale Carcass Washes Up on Western Australia Coast, Prompting Disposal Debate

A 12.5‑metre humpback whale carcass washed ashore on Tuesday at Peppermint Grove Beach, located about 200 km south of Perth in the Shire of Capel, marking at least the fourth whale to strand on Western Australian beaches in recent weeks. The animal, estimated to weigh around 14 tonnes, was removed by crane on Wednesday and subsequently buried on the beach before being trucked to a disposal site.

Local authorities closed Peppermint Grove Beach for several days while shark patrols and site testing were conducted. The Shire of Capel described the removal as "entirely necessary" for public safety, though it has not disclosed the cost of the operation. In contrast, a Perth council previously faced a bill of nearly $180,000 for a similar removal, highlighting financial pressures on local governments.

State officials maintain that responsibility for carcass removal lies with the land manager, typically the local council. Whale researchers have advocated for a centralized approach and offshore disposal to streamline the process, while acknowledging logistical and environmental challenges associated with each option.

Shire President John Fergusson called for a formal agreement between councils and the state government to clarify funding and procedural responsibilities for future whale disposals. The ongoing series of strandings has intensified public and scientific debate over the most effective and sustainable methods for handling large marine mammal remains on Australian shores.