Humpback whale disentanglement

In late August '02 an adult humpback whale became entangled in shark mesh off the QLD Gold Coast. The whale disappeared dragging the heavy net and was not expected to survive.

Three days later the animal was relocated off Yamba in NSW with net wrapped around its head including the blowhole and a large mass of net rope and floats binding the tail stock.
In a combined operation Sea World, the QLD Department of Primary Industries together with the NSW Fisheries, Marine Parks Authority and the National Parks and Wildlife Service were able to cut the material from the whale.

During the operation to free the whale it was closely accompanied by three other adult humpback whales.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Lyrebirdtv
• NPWS
• DECC
• humpback
• whale
• disentangelment
• marine
• mammal
• management.

[tiffyme]

I'm so happy that you all were able to undo the harm done to her by these stupid nets. She must have known you were there to help or she would have thrashed around. Thank you for saving this wonderful creature! :-)

[MrEdyoulis]

Another famous Humpback rescue happened off the Farallon Islands. The animal was being pulled down by crab pots. Divers cut the whale free and it nudged them in thanks one by one.

[y0dalay]

whales are such amazing and massive animals where their home is in the ocean. it makes me think of sea world and any other animals kept outside of their natural habitats just for our enjoyment (zoos). just go out and enjoy nature!

[teamjacobortiz]

Praise God!

[slapbang]

you guys are great thx

[Tomsouthrock]

VERY COOL !!!!!!

[44CoasterGiRl44]

you guys are great. I'll thank you on the whale's behaf!

well done and keep it up!

[osnblu]

Fantastic!! It is so nice to hear good news about these wonderful and amazing animals!! Keep up the good work, and thank you so much!!

[yeimaya]

I would love to see part II could you privide a link? The whales sounds were fascinating. It appeared to keep tipping to its right side. Did the line run through its mouth as well as its tail? Allied Whale in Maine is also involved in whale disentanglements. It sounds like one of the biggest highs if they are successful!