A humpback whale has been rescued after being tangled in shark nets off the Gold Coast. It was a delicate operation but rescuers managed to get the whale loose and luckily it swam away unharmed! Read on to learn more about this incredible rescue.
Image: 9News
An Amazing Rescue Team Effort Freed An Entangled Humpback Whale
Just off the Gold Coast at Kirra Beach, an 8-10 metre humpback whale was trapped in shark nets. Fortunately, the whale was at the surface of the water and was able to breathe, giving the rescue team of Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol and Sea World rescuers time to get the whale free.
One of the rescuers, Wayne Phillips said, “It’s really important we get everything off them, to make sure there’s nothing that can cause harm later on.” He went on to say that “It started out as a pretty simple rescue, we got the tail free, but once the animal became mobile with gear still remaining on it, we had to follow him and get extremely close (which can be dangerous) to get nets off that were stuck between the head and left pectoral fin.” After a very brave and strategic operation, the humpback whale was able to swim away safe and well.
Image: 9News
Whales Can Hold Their Breathe For HOW Long?!
Public help in reporting this trapped whale was invaluable to the rescue team. They received the first call at 6:30am, and the witnesses were able to keep an eye on the whale and give information back to the rescue team that the animal was still breathing normally, which bought the team time to get together and race out to the animal!
Did you know that humpback whales can hold their breath for 60 minutes? Humpback whales have a tremendously efficient breathing system that lets them absorb up to 90% of the 200L of oxygen they inhale, compared to just 15% humans do. However, shark nets pose a disastrous threat to wildlife and can be lethal to whales if they become entangled.
Luckily, this joint public and professional coaction meant that this humpback whale was assisted fast. By 9am, the whale had been released from the net.
Image: Canva
The Shark Net Debate - Are They Causing More Harm Than Good?
Are shark nets outdated? Are they inhumane? Could they be creating unnecessary damage? Here in Australia, it’s a controversial policy of using shark nets to prevent shark attacks. The idea is simple: place a net around beaches and hope it'll stop sharks. But the reality is much more complicated.
Each year, around 60,000 Humpback Whales leave the glacial, food-rich waters of Antarctica and begin the world’s longest mammal migration, a 5,000km journey to the warm waters of Australia where they mate, calve and nurture their newborns! However, as whales pass through the east coast, they’re at a major risk of becoming caught in the shark nets.
This humpback whale was the 3rd rescue within 3 days, and the 5th whale this year that had to be rescued from nets.
Multiple activist groups, like Sea Shepherd, are urging the QLD government to remove shark nets during whale migration.
Some people believe that shark nets are an effective way to reduce shark attacks, but others believe that they’re not worth the damage they do to marine life. What are your thoughts on shark nets? Let us know in the comments below!
If you love hearing about animal rescues and wildlife conservation, keep an eye on our Eco News category for more stories!
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