Two whales freed from a shark net off a Sunshine Coast beach have brought the total so far this season to 15 successful rescues by authorities.
Residents on upper floors of the new Seanna high-rise at Beach Access 246, at Bokarina Beach, had observed the whales – possibly a mother and her calf – splashing around in distress from about sunrise this morning.
State government officials attended the scene to free the whales.
“The Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol’s Marine Animal Release Team (MART) has released two whales from shark control equipment off Wurtulla this morning,” a Fisheries Queensland spokesperson said.
“MART unpicked the net using specifically-designed equipment, and the whales swam away freely.
“This takes the number of whales successfully released to 15 this year.”
The shark nets have attracted controversy regularly in the recent decade, with arguments ranging from them being too big a risk to marine life such as dolphins, turtles, whales and even sharks, against opposing opinions that they are vital for protecting beach-goers from potential shark attacks.
Sunshine Coast News this week reported on the risks posed to whales from boats and their propellors. The nets pose another obstacle to be managed by the whales and their newborns in their annual migration north to warmer waters and south again.
Whale sightings have been prolific along the Sunshine Coast this year – from Caloundra to Noosa.
For Wurtulla residents this morning, thankfully their whale sightings had a happy ending.
“Once word spread around the neighbourhoods of Bokarina and Wurtulla, early morning beachgoers and surf watchers gathered on the deck opposite the patrol tower and by the shore,” one observer noted.
“What looked like a fishing boat seemed to be holding a vigil near the spot and to keep an eye on the developing situation.
“Late Thursday afternoon, those on the deck at Beach Access 248 were entertained for about 20 minutes before dark, as a mother and calf travelled south, about a similar distance offshore, with slaps of flippers and tails, rolls and spray visible.”
Fisheries Queensland advises anyone who sees an entangled creature not to approach or try to release it. Call the Shark Control Program hotline on 1800 806 891 and let the trained and properly equipped experts do their job.
Do you have an opinion to share? Or a great whale photo? Send a Letter to the Editor – or your photo – with your name and suburb to Sunshine Coast News via: news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au
For more information on the Fisheries Queensland Shark Control Program and the Marine Animal Release Team, visit https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/shark-control-program
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