Stranded humpback whale calf trapped within shark nets at Marcoola Beach, Sunshine Coast region
A baby humpback whale and its mother were successfully rescued from shark netting off the Sunshine Coast earlier this week. The entanglement was reported just before 8am on Wednesday, and the whale was freed about 11:30pm on the same day. The entanglement occurred near Noosa Main Beach, marking the second such incident at Rainbow Beach earlier in the week. The young humpback whale was initially spotted in distress off Marcoola Beach, south of Coolum, on Friday morning. Several larger humpback whales were observed surrounding the young whale as it struggled against the netting. Crews worked throughout the night to free the trapped pair, with the Queensland's Department of Primary Industries (DPI) managing the rescue operation. Rescue teams used long hooked sticks to cut the netting, and the department thanked everyone who contacted the Shark Control Program hotline, enabling prompt assistance. The DPI, Sunshine Coast shark contractor, and a trained marine animal release team from the Sunshine Coast were instrumental in the successful release of the entangled juvenile whale. It is estimated that fewer than six humpback whales become entangled in nets or drumlines annually along the Queensland coastline. Queensland and NSW are the only Australian states which use shark nets, with Queensland using them year-round. In contrast, in NSW, they are removed over winter. However, the company responsible for installing and operating the shark nets on the Sunshine Coast is not specified in the provided search results. The net, which is currently being replaced onsite, was dragged more than 100km north to Hervey Bay during the entanglement. The incident highlights the ongoing concern about the impact of shark nets on marine life. While they are designed to protect swimmers, they can pose a threat to whales and other large marine animals. This incident serves as a reminder for beachgoers to stay informed and vigilant when swimming near nets. If you spot an entangled marine animal, contact your local shark control program immediately. The humpback whale and its calf were seen swimming freely after their release, a sight that brought relief to the rescue teams and onlookers alike. The successful rescue operation is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various organisations dedicated to the welfare of marine life.
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