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An immature humpback whale has been located lifeless after getting trapped in a mesh netting along the shoreline of NSW.

The 8-metre calf was discovered trapped by mesh in northern Wollongong waters this Tuesday, particularly the ocean separating these coastal towns.

This incident is the fifteenth marine mammal to become entangled in protective netting near the eastern Australian coastline in the current year, and the first marine animal confirmed dead, believed to have been suffocated while on its travel toward the south.

Location and Response

A spokesperson for the NSW department of primary industries and regional development stated that shark meshing contractors found the dead whale during a regular examination early Tuesday.

There were no prior reports any alerts of a whale entanglement near Coledale prior to this,” the official noted, adding that no additional marine mammal incidents in state netting had been reported so far this year.

But, in June, another whale got caught in a marine deterrent near Nobby’s beach.

State wildlife authorities, marine rescue organizations and Marine Rescue NSW responded that afternoon, discovering the immature whale with mesh tangled around its tail and side fin.

“Everyone involved tried their best to disentangle the lifeless cetacean,” stated Marine Rescue NSW inspector the responder.

Challenges and Outcome

“The plan involved transporting the carcass to a site where extraction was possible out of the ocean,” the inspector explained. Earlier that day, “the mix of unfavourable sea conditions and the closeness to rocky areas and coast made it hazardous for our vessel and crew to stay on site, so we were forced to abandon”.

The remains came onto the beach on Tuesday night. ORRCA said in a statement: “At this stage, the cause of death is unknown and will remain unclear until … a examination is carried out.”

Protective Netting Setup Facts

There are 51 shark nets deployed in NSW, equipped with audible deterrents and marine mammal warnings.

The devices “emit a high-frequency sound wave that discourages the cetaceans from the zone and lowers the risk of entanglement,” the official noted.

“State authorities is researching advanced marine safety methods intended to lessen harm to sea creatures and safeguarding coastal visitors.”

Appeals for Reform

This tragic incident sparked fresh demands for the state authorities to end its shark netting program.

Legislator Cate Faehrmann said it was “profoundly tragic to see a baby humpback whale perish in this manner, notably as its death was totally preventable”.

“Each year when the nets go in, we witness further marine mammals and other wildlife including dolphins, at-risk marine reptiles and highly threatened shark species caught, harmed or killed.”

Expert Perspectives

Dr Olaf Meynecke, who researches sea animals at Griffith University, explained there was little evidence to indicate that shark nets had prevented marine incidents in the past.

The “large-scale removal of sharks along beaches as a mitigation measure” barely decreased danger, he said.

Meynecke said whale calves faced greater danger of capture and death.

“It is understood that they lack awareness of the dangers of nets.”

Marine mammals develop experience, learning to communicate regarding hazardous areas, Meynecke added.

A juvenile marine mammal “might rapidly feel terror and if you’ve got high seas the possibility arises of death”.

Political Response and Alternatives

Legislator the official stated: “Authorities should support protect marine visitors by boosting funding in modern-day alternatives to outdated and ineffective nets and lines.

“Alternatives involve supporting personal shark repellents, shark spotter programs, environmentally friendly barriers, shark-resistant gear, and improving public education.

“A 2017 Senate inquiry on marine safety advised national authorities take leading action on promoting these funds, but this has so far been ignored.”

The senator additionally urged the central government to eliminate a loophole in the federal protection legislation that enables regional predator removal plans.

“National legislation enables the officially permitted marine mammal suffering that is happening off our Queensland and NSW coastlines using risky and old-fashioned EPBC exemption.

“Now is the period to end the planet’s most extended ocean elimination and stop this barbaric state-approved wildlife harm.”