"The intent was to recover the carcass around 2pm today during high-tide when conditions were more favourable," said spokesman Wilfred Solomons-Johannes.

"Instead, a decision was taken to immediately commence with the recovery operation after an increase of shark activity was recorded in the bay."

The bay was declared clear of blood after the 30-metre southern right whale carcass was found near Capricorn beach on Sunday.

The recovery team had hoped to wait for high tide when the carcass would be more buoyant.

Instead, additional crew members have been deployed to assist with the operation while the marine unit of the law enforcement services and the solid waste management department were on stand-by to load the carcass and transport it to the Vissershok landfill site for disposal.

Beach users were advised that the general caution would remain in place until further notice.