A dolphin found dead after a pod stranded off Albany is being tested for bird flu as authorities issue a shark warning over other carcasses found on Wednesday morning.

The first dolphin died despite on Tuesday desperate efforts by members of the public, who waded into the shallows at Albany Waterfront Marina to help save the rest of the pod after they became stranded near Anzac Peace Park.

Parks and Wildlife officers later removed the carcass from the water. It will be tested for the H5 bird flu virus following recent detections in WA.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said the pod of 12 pantropical spotted dolphins were seen near the Albany Entertainment Centre about 6.30am.

One dolphin appeared to be unwell and died about 7.30am, while the remaining 11 were successfully refloated by members of the public and returned to deeper water by about 8.45am.

A Department of Transport officer said she had been monitoring the pod since Monday because the dolphins had been behaving unusually.

But all 12 had been alive and moving throughout the day.

Standard samples have been taken from the deceased dolphin and submitted for testing after the carcass was reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.

The death came as WA remains on alert for H5 bird flu, with recent cases detected in wild seabirds across the State.

Authorities later issued a shark alert for Melville Point in Princess Royal Harbour, warning that a number of other dolphin carcasses reported at 9.05am on Wednesday could attract the predators close to shore.

It is believed they were part of the pod urged back to sea on Tuesday.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development urges people to take extra care around the harbour, obey any beach closures and check the SharkSmart website or app for the latest shark activity.

WHAT TO DO

• Take additional caution in the Princess Royal Harbour area.
• Adhere to beach closures advised by local government rangers, Parks and Wildlife Service officers or Surf Life Saving WA.
• Use your Sea Sense and stay informed by checking for shark activity on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app or follow @SLSWA on X.
• If you see a shark, report it to Water Police on 9442 8600. All shark sighting information reported to Water Police is provided to land managers and relevant authorities and to the public on the SharkSmart website, SharkSmart WA app and @SLSWA on X.

EXTRA INFORMATION

Switch on your Sea Sense and stay informed of shark activity information by checking the SharkSmart website – www.sharksmart.com.au/shark-activity, download the SharkSmart WA app or follow @SLSWA on X – x.com/SLSWA. Check www.sharksmart.com.au/news for updates to this alert and to view other warnings and media releases.