🔗 Share this article

A juvenile marine mammal has been located dead following being caught in a shark net off the coast of the region.

The juvenile calf was located entangled in barriers in northern Wollongong waters on Tuesday, specifically the ocean between these coastal towns.

This event represents the 15th whale caught in protective netting near the eastern Australian coastline this year, and it is the first cetacean to have died, thought to have succumbed to drowning amid its journey to Antarctic waters.

Discovery and Action

A representative for the government body of primary industries and regional development explained that netting crews located the deceased calf during a standard check this week.

There were no prior reports any reports regarding a trapped whale near Coledale earlier,” they said, further stating that no additional cetacean traps in state netting had been reported so far this year.

But, earlier this year, another whale became tangled in a marine deterrent off Nobby’s beach.

Marine protection agencies, marine rescue organizations and coastal rescue teams responded on Tuesday afternoon, discovering the immature cetacean with net entwined with its fluke and pectoral fin.

“All responders did their utmost to free the deceased whale,” said Marine Rescue NSW inspector Stuart Massey.

Challenges and Aftermath

“The plan was to move the carcass to a area where extraction was possible out of the ocean,” the inspector explained. Shortly before 3pm, “the situation of rough ocean weather and the nearby rocks and beach made it hazardous for our vessel and crew to continue operations, so we were compelled to halt”.

The body came onto the beach that evening. Marine experts explained: “At this stage, the cause of death remains unclear and will stay uncertain until … a examination is conducted.”

Marine Barrier System Information

In place 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-frequency sound wave that repels the mammals from the area and lowers the risk of trapping,” the DPIRD spokesperson explained.

“The NSW government will continue to investigate modern deterrent systems aimed at reducing effects on ocean life while protecting swimmers.”

Appeals for Reform

This tragic incident sparked fresh calls for the state authorities to end its shark netting program.

Politician the representative remarked it was “deeply saddening to see a young whale succumb this way, particularly since its passing was totally preventable”.

“Annually during net installation, we see more whales and additional creatures such as dolphins, at-risk marine reptiles and critically endangered grey nurse sharks caught, harmed or killed.”

Researcher Perspectives

Dr Olaf Meynecke, studying marine mammals at the institution, commented there was little evidence to indicate that protective nets have stopped shark attacks historically.

Wide-ranging extraction of sharks by shores as a mitigation measure” had minimal impact on threat, he said.

The researcher stated whale calves faced greater danger of being trapped and suffocating.

“We know that they are not aware the hazards posed by netting.”

Whales learn over time, learning to communicate regarding hazardous areas, Meynecke added.

A young whale “might rapidly feel terror and if you’ve got high seas there is the risk of death”.

Official Statements and Solutions

Politician the senator stated: “Authorities are able to assist protect marine visitors by supercharging investment in current solutions to archaic and useless nets and lines.

“Options consist of subsidising shark shield personal deterrent devices, monitoring systems, environmentally friendly barriers, protective swimwear, and improving public education.

“An official investigation on marine safety suggested central government take leading action on supporting such financing, but this advice was not followed.”

Whish-Wilson also called on the federal government to remove an exemption in the federal protection legislation that enables local marine elimination initiatives.

“Government regulations enables the state-sanctioned animal cruelty that we’re seeing near Australian beaches via hazardous and outdated environmental law exception.

“Now is the period to stop the planet’s most extended ocean elimination and cease this inhumane government-sanctioned animal cruelty.”