Heartbreaking Death of Humpback Whale Calf Off NSW Coast Following Getting Caught in Marine Barrier
An juvenile humpback whale has been discovered dead after getting trapped in a mesh netting near the beaches of New South Wales.
The 8-metre marine creature was discovered entangled in netting north of Wollongong this Tuesday, in the sea separating these coastal towns.
This incident represents the fifteenth marine mammal to become entangled in protective netting near the eastern Australian coastline so far this year, and the first cetacean confirmed dead, presumed to have succumbed to drowning during its journey south.
Location and Response
A representative for the government body of primary industries and regional development explained that shark meshing contractors found the deceased calf in the course of a regular examination on Tuesday morning.
No earlier notifications any reports regarding a trapped whale in the Coledale area before this incident,” the spokesperson added, further stating that no additional cetacean traps in coastal barriers had been reported so far this year.
However, in June, a marine mammal became tangled in a marine deterrent off Nobby’s beach.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, marine rescue organizations and emergency responders took action later that day, finding the juvenile whale with net entwined with its tail and side fin.
“Everyone involved tried their best to disentangle the deceased cetacean,” said rescue official the inspector.
Difficulties and Aftermath
“The plan was to move the body to a site where it could be removed from the sea,” he said. Shortly before 3pm, “the mix of rough ocean weather and the nearby rocks and beach created dangers for the rescue team to stay on site, so we were obliged to stop”.
The body came onto the beach later that day. ORRCA said in a statement: “Currently, the cause of death is unknown and won’t be confirmed until … a examination is carried out.”
Shark Net Program Details
In place are over fifty nets set up along the coast, that include with acoustic “whale alarms” and acoustic devices.
The equipment “emit a high-pitched acoustic signal that deters the cetaceans from the area and reduces the chances of trapping,” the official explained.
“The NSW government plans to examine modern deterrent systems intended to lessen impacts on marine animals and safeguarding swimmers.”
Calls for Change
The calf’s death caused renewed calls for the local government to discontinue its netting system.
Legislator Cate Faehrmann stated how “profoundly tragic to see a baby humpback whale die like this, especially because its demise was entirely unnecessary”.
“Every year when the nets go in, we see further marine mammals and other animals including dolphins, at-risk marine reptiles and highly threatened shark species caught, harmed or killed.”
Specialist Perspectives
Marine researcher, focused on marine mammals at Griffith University, explained proof is scarce to suggest that protective nets have stopped shark bites previously.
Extensive elimination of marine predators along beaches as a mitigation measure” did little to reduce danger, the doctor noted.
The expert explained whale calves were at higher risk of being trapped and suffocating.
“Research shows that they lack awareness the risks posed by netting.”
Marine mammals gain knowledge, learning to communicate about dangerous locations, the researcher noted.
An immature cetacean “would panic quite quickly and with rough ocean conditions there is the risk of drowning”.
Official Reactions and Options
Greens senator the senator stated: “Governments should support protect marine visitors by increasing financial support in contemporary options to old and inefficient marine barriers and deterrents.
“Options consist of funding shark shield personal deterrent devices, monitoring systems, environmentally friendly barriers, shark-resistant gear, and improving public education.
“A 2017 Senate inquiry on marine safety suggested central government demonstrate country-wide initiative on supporting such financing, but this advice was not followed.”
The senator additionally urged the central government to remove an exemption in the national environment law that enables local marine elimination initiatives.
“National legislation enables the state-sanctioned animal cruelty that is happening off our Queensland and NSW coastlines via hazardous and outdated environmental law exception.
“Now is the period to end the planet’s most extended ocean elimination and stop this barbaric government-sanctioned animal cruelty.”
