Whale and her calf entangled in shark net off Queensland coast | Whales

A whale prevented in a shark net about five days ago with its calf has not yet been completely released, two of the four humpback whales which will be entangled in shark nets from Queensland in recent days.

Dr. Olaf Meynecke, who is doing research on marine mammals at Griffith University, said that the humpback whales were caught in shark nets each year, but it was the first time involving four whales trapped at the same time.

On Wednesday, images of drones captured the moment when a mother and a calf found themselves trapped in a shark net on Noosa. Meynecke said that the images clearly show that the stressed mother rolls in the net and “really wrap the calf”.

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This pair was released on Wednesday evening, according to the Queensland primary industry department. However, Meynecke said the mother had been observed with equipment that is still attached.

In a separate incident, Meynecke said that another mother had dragged a Rainbow Beach shark to Hervey Bay. The fisheries of Queensland peaches and a team of response to marine animals were still working to release this animal on Thursday afternoon.

There are 27 shark nets in Queensland and 51 in New South Wales. Like a large number of whales and newborns are making their way to the south, spending time near the shore, they may be tangled.

In July, the Southern New Wales Government announced that it would suppress controversial nets of three beaches from the Sydney and Central Coast, but interrupted plans after a deadly shark attack near Dee Why.

Whale tangles have increased in the past 10 to 15 years, Meynecke said, with the accent being put from Gold Coast to Sunshine Coast in recent years.

The vast majority of incidents involved mothers and calves, he said.

“It seems that adults are really aware of the danger – and probably also communicate on danger places. But the calves obviously do not know and have broken down. Then the mothers panic and remain nearby, then they are also entangled. ”

The scientist of the whales, Dr. Vanessa Pirotta, said that the images of the whales captured in the net of Noosa were “heartbreaking”.

She said that calves in this situation were particularly vulnerable – always dependent on their mom for milk, stressed and at risk of drowning.

“Each tangle is likely to be different, but if it really restricts their movement and ultimately does not allow them to do anything, they can literally drown in shark nets.”

Pirotta said it was a reminder for people to report these incidents as quickly as possible.

“Because there are so many eyes on the ocean, it’s incredibly important if people see something like that, they immediately report it,” she said. “Earlier than we know, the more the chances of survival of these animals will have.”

A spokesperson for the primary industries department thanked those who contacted the hotline. “We remind the public that for their own safety, it is dangerous to approach or try to release whales trapped in nets,” they said.