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An juvenile whale calf has been discovered lifeless following being caught in a protective barrier near the beaches of NSW.

The juvenile marine creature was discovered entangled in netting off the Wollongong coastline this Tuesday, in the waters separating Wombarra and Coledale.

This event marks the 15th whale caught in shark nets near the eastern Australian coastline in the current year, and it is the first whale that has perished, believed to have drowned while on its journey south.

Finding and Action

A spokesperson for the NSW department of primary industries and regional development stated that shark meshing contractors discovered the dead calf during a standard check on Tuesday morning.

No earlier notifications any calls about a caught cetacean at Coledale prior to this,” they said, further stating that no additional cetacean traps in state netting were recorded so far this year.

But, during June, a whale got caught in a marine deterrent off Nobby’s beach.

Marine protection agencies, ORRCA and coastal rescue teams took action that afternoon, discovering the juvenile whale with barrier wrapped around its rear and side appendages.

“Each participant made every effort to disentangle the lifeless cetacean,” commented Marine Rescue NSW inspector the responder.

Difficulties and Aftermath

“The plan was to move the remains to a site for removal out of the ocean,” the inspector explained. Earlier that day, “the mix of adverse marine environment and the closeness to rocky areas and coast made it hazardous for the rescue team to remain there, so we were compelled to halt”.

The remains came onto the beach on Tuesday night. Marine experts explained: “Currently, the fatality cause is unknown and will stay uncertain until … a examination is conducted.”

Marine Barrier Program Details

There are fifty-one marine barriers set up along the coast, that include with audible deterrents and acoustic devices.

These tools “emit a high-pitched acoustic signal that deters the cetaceans from the area and reduces the chances of trapping,” the representative explained.

“The government is researching advanced marine safety methods designed to minimise effects on ocean life and safeguarding coastal visitors.”

Demands for Action

The whale drowning sparked fresh demands for the NSW government to terminate its netting system.

NSW Greens MP the MP said that it was “absolutely heartbreaking to witness a young whale succumb this way, particularly since its demise was completely avoidable”.

“Each year as nets are deployed, we observe more whales and other wildlife like dolphins, threatened sea turtles and highly threatened shark species ensnared, wounded or deceased.”

Expert Opinions

Marine researcher, studying marine mammals at Griffith University, commented data is limited to show that protective nets had prevented shark bites in the past.

Extensive elimination of ocean hunters by shores for safety reasons” had minimal impact on threat, Meynecke explained.

Meynecke said young whales faced greater danger of capture and death.

“We know that they are not aware the hazards from barriers.”

Marine mammals gain knowledge, learning to communicate about dangerous locations, he said.

An immature cetacean “could easily become distressed and with rough ocean conditions there is the risk of death”.

Political Response and Alternatives

Greens senator the official said in a statement: “Governments should support keep ocean-goers safe by supercharging investment in current solutions to archaic and useless shark nets and drumlines.

“Alternatives involve subsidising shark shield personal deterrent devices, monitoring systems, sustainable marine protections, protective swimwear, and improving public education.

“A 2017 Senate inquiry into shark risk mitigation suggested central government take leading action on supporting such financing, but this advice was not followed.”

The official further demanded the national authorities to remove an exemption in the national environment law that allows regional predator removal plans.

“National legislation enables the government-approved harm to wildlife that is happening along the eastern shores through a dangerous and archaic protection bypass.

“It’s time to stop the world’s longest marine cull and halt this cruel state-approved wildlife harm.”