A humpback whale has been successfully freed after becoming entangled in 46 metres of fishing line and buoys off the New South Wales South Coast.
Rescue near Batemans Bay
The whale was first spotted near Batemans Bay, approximately 280 kilometres south of Sydney, trailing a long length of fishing line and several buoys. The sighting prompted a multi-agency rescue operation involving the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Marine Rescue NSW, and ORRCA (Organisation for the Rescue & Research of Cetaceans in Australia).
Successful disentanglement
On Saturday, the teams worked together to remove 46 metres of trailing line, two buoys, and seaweed weighing a combined 13 kilograms. After the removal, the whale was able to resume more natural movement. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) reported that following the disentanglement, the whale was observed moving faster and responding positively.
Video footage captured as part of the NSW Right Whale ID Program shows rescuers working from a vessel to cut away the entanglement. DCCEEW noted that disentangling marine wildlife is a complex and dangerous operation requiring highly trained operators, specialist equipment, and suitable conditions to safely approach and assist animals at sea.
ORRCA president praises rapid response
ORRCA president Ashley Ryan said the prompt response helped save the whale’s life. “Whale entanglements remain one of the most significant threats faced by migrating humpback whales along our coastline. These incidents can quickly become life-threatening, which is why rapid reporting and a coordinated response are so critical,” Ryan said.
Public urged to report entanglements
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service incident controller Andrew Wall urged the public to report any entangled whales. “This was a fantastic outcome for this whale and a great example of the importance of rapid reporting and coordinated response efforts by a variety of specially trained teams,” he said. “If you see an entangled whale, please report its location, direction, and speed to NPWS on 1300 072 757 or the ORRCA Rescue Hotline on 02 9415 3333.”
