One whale freed, another still entangled
A humpback whale has been disentangled from 46 metres of line, 2 buoys and kilos of seaweed
A humpback whale trailing fishing lines and buoys off the NSW South Coast has been successfully freed. However, another whale – which was trailing two yellow buoys and expected to swim north along our coast at the weekend – remains entangled.
On Saturday, the National Parks and Wildlife Service's Large Whale Disentanglement Team successfully removed 46 metres of trailing line, two buoys and seaweed weighing a total of 13 kilograms from the whale, which was first reported to ORRCA’s 24/7 Rescue Hotline near Batemans Bay.
ORRCA and Marine Rescue NSW provided support, with Inspector Glenn Sullivan saying: “Volunteers and rescue vessels from Marine Rescue Batemans Bay and Ulladulla played an important role in this operation.
“It was extremely rewarding to see the whale successfully freed and able to continue its journey unhindered.”
NPWS warns that disentangling marine wildlife is a complex and dangerous operation requiring highly trained operators, specialist equipment and suitable conditions at sea.
If you see an entangled whale, report it to NPWS on 1300 072 757 or the ORRCA Rescue Hotline on 02 9415 3333.
The gear retrieved from the whale, taken ashore at Mount Keira Depot. Photos: James Ratcliffe/NPWS
