An investigation into the death of a great white shark that washed ashore at Coronation Beach in Western Australia concluded that the animal choked on a sea lion

Video footage from earlier this week shows the four-metre-long animal thrashing in shallow waters at the same beach.

An investigation by the Department of Fisheries found that the shark had no visible signs of injury or disease but had a large Australian sea lion stuck in its throat.  

The department's principal research scientist Dr Rory McAuley said in a statement that the shark was possibly trying to dislodge the blockage by thrashing in the water. 

“Such a large object may have damaged the shark’s internal organs or impeded water flow into his gills, contributing to his death. Alternatively, the shark may have accidentally become stranded in his attempts to get rid of the obstruction.”

The Department has also confirmed that the male shark was tagged in South Australia in January this year.

“Confirmation of when and where this shark was tagged demonstrates the extraordinarily mobile nature of this species,” Dr McAuley said.

Tissue and vertebral samples were taken for future genetic, age and growth, ecological and population assessment studies. 

WA Fisheries Department