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An immature humpback whale has been discovered lifeless after being caught in a protective barrier along the shoreline of NSW.

The juvenile calf was located trapped by barriers off the Wollongong coastline on Tuesday, particularly the waters separating these coastal towns.

This occurrence marks the 15th cetacean caught in marine barriers off the coast of eastern Australia so far this year, while being the initial whale confirmed dead, thought to have drowned while on its migration toward the south.

Discovery and Response

A spokesperson for the government body overseeing marine activities mentioned that shark meshing contractors located the lifeless marine mammal during a standard check this week.

“DPIRD did not receive any calls about a caught cetacean in the Coledale area earlier,” the spokesperson added, and mentioned that no additional marine mammal incidents in coastal barriers had been reported this year.

Nonetheless, in June, another whale got caught in a marine deterrent along the Newcastle coast.

Marine protection agencies, the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia and Marine Rescue NSW arrived on scene that afternoon, discovering the juvenile cetacean with net wrapped around its fluke and pectoral fin.

“Everyone involved made every effort to disentangle the lifeless cetacean,” said rescue official the responder.

Obstacles and Outcome

The strategy was to move the body to a site for removal from the sea,” the inspector explained. Earlier that day, “the situation of rough ocean weather and the nearby rocks and beach meant it was becoming unsafe for marine personnel to stay on site, so we were compelled to halt”.

The remains drifted to land later that day. Marine experts explained: “At this stage, the cause of death is not determined and will remain unclear until … a necrops is conducted.”

Marine Barrier Program Details

Currently deployed are over fifty nets installed in the region, which are fitted with audible deterrents and marine mammal warnings.

The devices “produce a high-frequency sound wave that deters the mammals from the vicinity and lowers the risk of capture,” the official explained.

“State authorities plans to examine modern deterrent systems designed to minimise effects on ocean life while ensuring safety for swimmers.”

Demands for Action

The calf’s death caused renewed calls for the local government to end its shark netting program.

Politician Cate Faehrmann stated it was “profoundly tragic to witness a young whale die like this, particularly since its death was entirely unnecessary”.

“Annually as nets are deployed, we witness further marine mammals and additional creatures such as dolphins, threatened sea turtles and critically endangered grey nurse sharks trapped, injured or killed.”

Specialist Perspectives

Dr Olaf Meynecke, who researches marine mammals at the university, explained there was little evidence to indicate that marine barriers have stopped shark attacks historically.

Extensive elimination of marine predators near coastlines for safety reasons” did little to reduce risk, he said.

The researcher stated juvenile cetaceans were at higher risk of being trapped and suffocating.

“Research shows that they don’t recognize the risks of nets.”

Marine mammals learn over time, acquiring communication skills regarding hazardous areas, Meynecke added.

A young whale “would panic quite quickly and with rough ocean conditions the possibility arises of death”.

Official Reactions and Options

Politician Peter Whish-Wilson said in a statement: “Authorities are able to assist keep ocean-goers safe by boosting funding in current solutions to outdated and ineffective nets and lines.

“These include supporting individual protection tools, monitoring systems, eco-shark barriers, protective swimwear, and enhancing awareness campaigns.

“A government study on marine safety suggested central government show national leadership on supporting such financing, but this advice was not followed.”

The official further demanded the federal government to revoke a special allowance in the national environment law that permits state-controlled shark cull programs.

“Government regulations facilitates the government-approved harm to wildlife that is happening along the eastern shores through a dangerous and archaic protection bypass.

“The moment has come to stop the world’s longest marine cull and cease this inhumane state-approved wildlife harm.”