Sharks feed on humpback whale carcass, Australia

Kathryn Greensill

19th September 2011

AN unfortunate humpback whale became shark food after it died just off the coast of Great Keppel Island.

A dead juvenile humpback whale floats off the coast of Great Keppel Island, drawing the attention of several hungry tiger sharks and a bronze whaler.

A Department of Environment and Resource Management spokesman said the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service received reports of the dead whale about 11am on Saturday.

He said it was identified as a juvenile humpback and was about 9m long.

“It had suffered significant predation and at the time QPWS rangers were on site two sharks were feeding on it,” the spokesman said.

He said tissue samples were taken for analysis and the Coastguard and Queensland Police Service were notified.

What caused the whale’s death is not yet known, but the spokesman said QPWS would continue to monitor the situation and would try to take another look at the carcass today to see what further action is required.

CQUniversity researcher Dr Alison Jones sighted the whale on Saturday and yesterday said there was a large 2m tiger shark, several smaller tiger sharks and a bronze whaler swimming around it.

Dr Jones said the whale’s belly had been torn out and there were some remoras, or suckerfish, on its underside.

themorningbulletin.com.au

Fair Use: Educational