Heartbreaking Demise of Baby Whale Along NSW Coast After Getting Caught in Marine Barrier
A juvenile humpback whale has been discovered deceased subsequent to getting trapped in a shark net near the beaches of the region.
The juvenile whale was discovered trapped by barriers off the Wollongong coastline this Tuesday, specifically the sea separating Wombarra and Coledale.
This occurrence is the 15th cetacean trapped in shark nets along Australia’s east coast in the current year, while being the initial marine animal to have died, believed to have drowned during its migration to Antarctic waters.
Finding and Action
A spokesperson for the government body of primary industries and regional development mentioned that shark meshing contractors found the deceased calf during a regular examination this week.
“DPIRD did not receive any calls regarding a trapped whale at Coledale earlier,” the official noted, further stating that no other cetacean traps in coastal barriers had been reported this year.
But, in June, a marine mammal became tangled in a drumline setup near Nobby’s beach.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, marine rescue organizations and Marine Rescue NSW took action that afternoon, observing the juvenile cetacean with net tangled around its tail and side fin.
“All responders did their utmost to disentangle the deceased cetacean,” said rescue official Stuart Massey.
Obstacles and Aftermath
“The plan was to take the remains to a area for removal out of the ocean,” he said. Just before three in the afternoon, “the combination of rough ocean weather and the closeness to rocky areas and coast created dangers for our vessel and crew to stay on site, so we were forced to abandon”.
The remains washed ashore that evening. Marine experts explained: “At this stage, the reason for death is unknown and will remain unclear until … a examination is performed.”
Protective Netting Program Details
In place are fifty-one marine barriers deployed in NSW, equipped with sound-based alerts and marine mammal warnings.
These tools “produce a high-frequency sound wave that deters the marine animals from the vicinity and reduces the chances of entanglement,” the representative noted.
“The NSW government plans to examine new shark mitigation technologies designed to minimise effects on ocean life while protecting coastal visitors.”
Calls for Change
The calf’s death caused renewed calls for the NSW government to end its marine barrier initiative.
NSW Greens MP the MP remarked that it was “absolutely heartbreaking to see a young whale succumb this way, especially because its passing was completely avoidable”.
“Annually when the nets go in, we see additional cetaceans and additional creatures such as dolphins, endangered loggerhead turtles and rare nurse sharks caught, harmed or killed.”
Expert Perspectives
Dr Olaf Meynecke, studying sea animals at the institution, explained proof is scarce to show that shark nets have stopped shark bites historically.
The “large-scale removal of ocean hunters near coastlines as a mitigation measure” barely decreased threat, Meynecke explained.
Meynecke said young whales were at higher risk of entanglement and drowning.
“Research shows that they are not aware of the dangers of nets.”
Marine mammals learn over time, learning to communicate regarding hazardous areas, the researcher noted.
A young whale “might rapidly feel terror and with rough ocean conditions there is the risk of death”.
Government Response and Alternatives
Politician Peter Whish-Wilson commented: “Governments are able to assist keep ocean-goers safe by increasing financial support in modern-day alternatives to old and inefficient marine barriers and deterrents.
“Options consist of funding shark shield personal deterrent devices, observation initiatives, environmentally friendly barriers, shark-resistant gear, and enhancing awareness campaigns.
“A government study regarding ocean threats recommended the federal government demonstrate country-wide initiative on driving this investment, but this advice was not followed.”
The senator additionally urged the federal government to eliminate a loophole in the federal protection legislation that enables state-controlled shark cull programs.
“National legislation allows the government-approved harm to wildlife that is occurring off our Queensland and NSW coastlines via hazardous and outdated environmental law exception.
“It’s time to stop the global lengthiest sea creature removal and cease this inhumane state-approved wildlife harm.”