Warning over whale carcasses found near Esperance A photo of a whale that washed up on Whitfords Beach a fortnight ago. TWO whale carcasses have washed ashore near Esperance today, prompting warnings about shark activity in the area. The first carcass was spotted near Dunn Rocks this morning and a second was found in the Duke of Orleans Bay area this afternoon. The Department of Fisheries has warned beach users of several unconfirmed shark sightings. "Whale carcasses may act as attractants and lead sharks close in to shore along this stretch of coast," Fisheries South-West spokesman Kevin Donohue While it's not uncommon for sharks to be present off the Western Australian coast throughout the year, people should exercise additional caution while whale carcasses are present and report any shark sightings to Water Police on 9442 8600. The carcasses washed up on a remote stretch of coast, some 100km from where abalone diver Greg Pickering was attacked by a shark earlier this month. Mr Pickering was diving off Poison Creek at Cape Arid National Park, about 180km east of Esperance, when he was attacked by a suspected great white shark. It's believed Mr Pickering suffered severe injuries to his chest and face and underwent more than 10 hours surgery before he was released from Royal Perth Hospital last week. Water users in Esperance have been advised to check the Surf Life Saving twitter account or website for any shark sightings at twitter.com/SLSWA or www.mybeach.com.au.