A humpback whale and her calf have been freed from shark nets off Noosa’s Main Beach thanks to the quick efforts of locals, Noosa MP Sandy Bolton, Noosa Council and a marine expert.
The council engaged local marine expert Paddy Marine Pty Ltd to attend to the entangled whales, after the contractor worked with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) to receive a permit.
Environmental Services manager Ben Derrick said DAF was unable to respond onsite until dawn due to their standard operating procedure.
“There is a set protocol to attending to whales and through cooperation with DAF and our specialist contractor, we managed to get a quick and positive outcome,” he said.
“The calf was totally wrapped in the net, and the mother was pushing the calf up to breathe, and there were fears the calf would not have survived until the morning.
“Huge accolades to Paddy and his crew for responding quickly,” he said.
Noosa MP Sandy Bolton who was in chamber in parliament at the time, contacted the Shark Control Program Hotline and was advised the contractor arrived at 9.20pm to assess whether a safe rescue was possible on the night with a successful release of the whales by 11pm through the assistance of locals on site.
“After being advised that they were both net free, a social media post reported they still had equipment attached, however I have confirmation the video was of the time between when the mum and bub were being released, and that at 11pm when they both headed off, there was nothing attached,” Ms Bolton said.
Mayor Frank Wilkie commended the community for its passion and commitment to saving the whales.
“This is such a wonderful outcome and testament to the passionate, inspiring community we have,” he said.
Cr Wilkie said Council supports DAF’s Shark control program however, this incident reinforced the need for the State Government to consider a trial of removing the mesh nets during the winter migrating season.
“Council endorsed a Mayoral Minute in July this year requesting the State trial removing the mesh nets for the shark control program and use other non-lethal measures,” Cr Wilkie said.
“These were recommendations from a review conducted by KPMG for the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, so we urge the State Government to implement the recommendation.”
Noosa MP Sandy Bolton said before parliament the following day she had discussions with relevant departmental staff to request what was needed to ensure faster rescue protocols.
“With Queensland remaining the only jurisdiction in Australia maintaining year-round nets, please share information we have at our Noosa 360 update below with friends and family as we need a united Noosa on this to take to government,” she said.
“The independent review of the Shark Control Program by KPMG states efforts to minimise negative impacts on marine ecosystems are not currently achieved by the program and recommends the trialing of the removal of shark nets during the winter whale migration seasons.”
“For those wishing to join us in direct advocacy, please email the Minister for Primary Industries and copy our office in,” Ms Bolton said.
Minister for Primary Industries: primaryindustries@ministerial.qld.gov.au
Sandy Bolton MP’s office: noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au
The Noosa MP’s previous updates on efforts are available at www.sandybolton.com/?s=shark
To report shark net entanglements, please immediately call the Queensland Shark Control Program hotline on 1800 806 891.
