Urgent shark warning as whale carcass floats off Victorian coast

Victorians are warned to avoid the waters where several sharks could be circulating around a whale carcass.

An "advice" level alert was issued for Cape Conran and Lake Tyers Beach today, east of Melbourne, where the carcass is likely to attract a number of sharks closer to shore.

Some swimming spots may be restricted as the whale's body moves towards Red Bluff Surfing Beach.

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Victorians are urged to avoid the areas, not to enter the waters at the closed beaches and exercise additional caution.

Swimmers should also always swim with a friend, stay between the red and yellow flags, not swim in places where human or animal waste enters the waters and to keep away from large schools of fish, seals or wildlife that could attract sharks.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority are currently monitoring shark sightings.

Shark sightings should be reported by calling Triple Zero (000) or notifying lifesavers immediately at a patrolled beach.