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The Sea World Foundation rescue team conducted a delicate rescue operation to save a humpback whale which become entangled in the shark control program off Greenmount Beach.
Mitchell Olivey
In the early hours of Thursday 12 June, the Sea World Foundation rescue team received a call from a member of the public about a whale potentially stuck in the Shark Control Net at Greenmount Beach.
The experienced team jumped into action packing the rescue boat before travelling south via the ocean to Greenmount where they located the 8-metre sub-adult humpback whale, which had since become mobile but remained heavily entangled with the netting around the left pectoral flipper and head.
The rescue team initially deployed a large buoy to the trailing net to slow the whale down and allow them to get close to commence the disentanglement.
Sea World Foundation Head of Marine Sciences, Wayne Phillips said the complex operation took over two hours with team successfully removing all the netting from the whale using specialised cutting knives, before watching the whale continue its migration.
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“It was a very successful rescue operation this morning and the team did an amazing job to remove all of the gear from the whale who swam off strongly,” he said.
“The whale had ropes and netting heavily entangled around its head and left pectoral fin, so we took our time to ensure we made the right cuts at the right to ensure we removed all the gear.
“Unfortunately, we are expecting more whales to become entangled throughout the migration season, but our team has completed their training and are ready and prepared to assist with any animals who need our assistance.”
Sea World Foundation will continue to work with the authoritative agencies to research improved methods which will lessen the impact on marine life, however in the meantime remain available to assist in rescue operations of marine animals which need assistance.
