Tragic Death of Humpback Whale Calf Near NSW Beaches After Getting Caught in Marine Barrier
A young humpback whale has been discovered lifeless after getting trapped in a shark net off the coast of New South Wales.
The juvenile calf was located wrapped in netting north of Wollongong on Tuesday, in the sea between Coledale and Wombarra.
This occurrence marks the 15th whale to become entangled in marine barriers along the coast of eastern Australia in the current year, and it is the first whale to have died, thought to have succumbed to drowning during its journey to Antarctic waters.
Location and Reaction
An official for the NSW department of primary industries and regional development explained that marine safety teams discovered the dead whale in the course of a regular examination early Tuesday.
No earlier notifications any alerts of a whale entanglement in the Coledale area earlier,” the official noted, further stating that no other whale entanglements in coastal barriers were notified this year.
But, during June, another whale got caught in a shark drumline near Nobby’s beach.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, ORRCA and Marine Rescue NSW responded later that day, observing the immature marine animal with barrier wrapped around its rear and side appendages.
“All responders did their utmost to free the dead whale,” commented coastal authority Stuart Massey.
Challenges and Aftermath
“The plan was to take the remains to a site where extraction was possible out of the ocean,” the inspector explained. Shortly before 3pm, “the mix of rough ocean weather and the closeness to rocky areas and coast made it hazardous for the rescue team to stay on site, so we were forced to abandon”.
The whale carcass washed ashore later that day. The organization stated: “For now, the cause of death is unknown and won’t be confirmed until … a autopsy is conducted.”
Shark Net System Information
Currently deployed are 51 shark nets set up along the coast, that include with acoustic “whale alarms” and marine mammal warnings.
The equipment “send out a high-pitched acoustic signal that repels the mammals from the area and reduces the chances of capture,” the DPIRD spokesperson said.
“The NSW government will continue to investigate new shark mitigation technologies intended to lessen impacts on marine animals while ensuring safety for beachgoers.”
Appeals for Reform
The calf’s death sparked fresh appeals for the local government to discontinue its netting system.
NSW Greens MP the representative remarked that it was “deeply saddening to observe a whale calf die like this, especially because its passing was entirely unnecessary”.
“Every year during net installation, we observe additional cetaceans and other wildlife like dolphins, at-risk marine reptiles and critically endangered grey nurse sharks caught, harmed or killed.”
Specialist Opinions
University expert, who researches marine mammals at the institution, said proof is scarce to indicate that shark nets averted shark bites previously.
Extensive elimination of sharks along beaches as a mitigation measure” did little to reduce risk, the doctor noted.
The researcher stated young whales were at higher risk of entanglement and drowning.
“It is understood that they lack awareness of the dangers of nets.”
Cetaceans gain knowledge, acquiring communication skills regarding hazardous areas, Meynecke added.
A juvenile marine mammal “would panic quite quickly and if you’ve got high seas there is the risk of suffocation”.
Government Response and Alternatives
Legislator Peter Whish-Wilson commented: “Authorities can help protect marine visitors by boosting funding in current solutions to old and inefficient shark nets and drumlines.
“Options consist of subsidising individual protection tools, observation initiatives, sustainable marine protections, bite-proof wetsuits, and improving public education.
“A government study on marine safety recommended the federal government take leading action on driving this investment, but this advice was not followed.”
The official further demanded the national authorities to remove an exemption in the federal protection legislation that permits local marine elimination initiatives.
“National legislation allows the government-approved harm to wildlife that is occurring along the eastern shores via hazardous and outdated EPBC exemption.
“Now is the period to end the planet’s most extended ocean elimination and halt this cruel state-approved wildlife harm.”
