There was a recent report here of a whale entangled in ropes and calls made
to DECC. Sorry I can't find the original email. I suspect this is the
whale and the outcome.
cheers
storm
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/media/DecMedia09071201.htm
Young whale freed from ropes
Media release: 12 July 2009
A young humpback whale was re-united with its mother after being freed from
entangling ropes in a delicate rescue operation off Boomerang Beach, on the
Mid North Coast, today (12/07).
The 8 metre whale was cut free by the National Parks and Wildlife Service
(NPWS) whale disentanglement team supported by the Forster-Tuncurry Coastal
Patrol and the Pacific Palms Surf Lifesaving Club.
NPWS Great Lakes Area Manager, and rescue operation coordinator, Steve Smith
said after being reported this morning by Pacific Palms locals the rescue
team were able to cut the ropes wrapped around the animal by mid afternoon.
"Fortunately the outcome was relatively straightforward with around 50
metres of rope, two floats, a large drum and weights being cut from the
young animal," Mr Smith said
"Immediately after the animal was released, it was joined by its anxious
mother and the pair were able to continue their journey," Steve said.
"If the material had not been removed the chances for the whale surviving
would not have been good.
"Freeing the whale involved using an inflatable rescue boat with the crew
using hook-shaped knives on long poles which minimises risk to rescuers.
"It has been a fantastic result with everyone able to work together so
effectively and safely and to see the whale continuing it journey north
without ropes attached."
Mr Smith thanked everyone involved in the successful release especially the
Forster Tuncurry Coastal Patrol and the Pacific Palms Surf Life Saving Club.
The Coastal Patrol vessel 'Amanda Lani' and crew assisted as a support
vessel, and the Surf Club provided an inflatable rescue boat and jet ski
support for the NPWS rescue team.
"Increasing whale numbers and human use of the oceans mean there is a
greater chance whales can be entangled in fishing gear, nets or ropes," Mr
Smith said.
"When entangled whales are reported we often need to locate the animal using
an aerial search, as they can continue moving, and there can be long delays
before the rescuers find them.
"As entangled whales are often reported by fishers while they are at sea it
is of great assistance if they can remain with the animal until the rescue
team arrives."
Contact: Lawrence Orel
Page last updated: 14 July 2009
===============================
www.birding-aus.org
birding-aus.blogspot.com
To unsubscribe from this mailing list,
send the message:
unsubscribe
(in the body of the message, with no Subject line)
to:
===============================
|
