Another Distressed Humpback Whale Caught in the Gold Coast Shark Nets – 2nd Whale Entanglement in September 09
September 27, 2009
Humpback Whale Severly Entangled off Miami, Gold Coast Sept 09. Photo by Grahame Long/ Sea World
In a shark net [186m (l) x 6m (w)] at Miami beach on Queensland’s Gold Coast a 9m (sub-adult) humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) was caught and entangled.
This is the second entanglement of a humpback whale in the Gold Coast shark nets in the month of September.
It was spotted early in the morning by a local surfer, therefore it may be possible that it was entangled over night.
It wasn’t until after mid morning that the humpback whale was released from the shark net.
Humpback Whale Entangled in Shark Nets off Miami, Gold Coast, Sept 09. Photo by Grahame Long/ Sea World.
The humpback was clearly distressed displaying extreme thrashing motions with the tail and body lunging out of the water.
The whale’s tail, pectoral fin and head had the net tightly twisted around it. The whales tail was bleeding after trying to free itself from the net.
This is a call for all Gold Coast, QLD and Australian residents, and all toursits that have come to Australia or plan to visit this country, or anyone concerned about this issue to sign this petition (right) and help get these shark nets removed.
Lets choose a more humane and sustainable method of beach protection (such as education campaigns to residents and tourists, and aerial monitoring).