Rescue operation to save whale calf off Gold Coast beach successful

A rescue operation to save a baby whale which became entangled off the Gold Coast has been successful, as the push for the removal of shark nets intensifies. SEE THE VIDEO

A rescue operation to save a baby whale entangled in shark nets off the Gold Coast has been successful, but the emergency has reignited a push to remove the nets.

The Sea World Foundation and the Queensland Department of Fisheries Marine Animal Release Team (MART) received reports from the public at around 3pm on Tuesday, battling fading light to free the humpback calf snared off Kirra Beach, with mum close by.

Sea World Foundation rescue team joined the Queensland Department of Fisheries Marine Animal Release Team (MART) to rescue a humpback whale calf entangled in the Kirra Beach shark net. Picture: Sea World Foundation

It was entangled with rope around its left pectoral fin, but teams were able to get it free in just over an hour.

Sea World Foundation Head of Marine Sciences Wayne Phillips said it was a tricky operation with sea conditions against them.

“It is a dangerous process to disentangle a whale and the bad sea conditions didn’t help,” he said.

“But everyone worked together really well, and we took our time to make sure we had the right strategy and approach ensuring we made the right cuts at the right time, and we were all elated we could get the calf free.”

Mr Phillips said the Sea World Foundation would continue to work with government authorities to research alternatives to shark nets to lessen the impact on marine life.

A whale calf trapped in a shark net. Pic: Scott Wilson / Envoy Foundation

It’s the 13th whale to become trapped in the nets this migration season, and the 11th in the past two weeks.

Andre Borell, of marine conservation group the Envoy Foundation, has been lobbying unsuccessfully for the nets to be pulled up during whale migration season.

“It disgusts me that as mother humpbacks head south with their newborns, it has become an expectation that we will wake up to news of an entanglement,” he said.

“With 13 whales entangled so far this migration season, this is close to the worst year on record.

“The Crisafulli government should be ashamed, for their refusal to remove shark nets during whale migration season, and for their false claims that shark nets are scientifically proven to keep beachgoers safe.”

The hale calf entangled in the Kirra Beach shark net. Picture: Sea World Foundation