Dead Humpback Whale washed ashore near Port Kembla, New South Wales

18 October, 2011

By Bill Brown

A dead whale washed ashore near Port Kembla has prompted warnings about the danger of marine debris to whales, dolphins, seals, turtles, sea birds and other marine life. The dead humpback had been entangled in a 25mm nylon rope which appeared to have been used for securing cargo or as a hawser line. NPWS Marine Fauna Program Coordinator Geoff Ross said the rope had been tightly and completely wrapped around the whale and had deeply cut into and constricted the use of its pectoral fin.

The whale was washed ashore near Port Kembla, after being entangled in a 25mm nylon rope. (Geoff Ross – National Parks and Wildlife Service)

Ingesting plastic debris is another major problem for marine life with NPWS staff seeing increasing incidents.

The increasing use of plastics in the fishing industry has become far more widespread, with increasing quantities of plastic debris.

The NSW Office of Environment and Heritage states that marine debris mostly comprised of fishing gear, packaging materials and raw plastics.

The major sources of marine debris are from ship waste, recreational activities, aquaculture, and both urban and rural discharge into rivers, estuaries and coastal areas.

Mr Ross acknowledged that some marine debris will always occur but they are keen to raise awareness of the severe threat debris causes to marine life and encourage recreational and commercial fishers and vessel operators to be very careful, especially with nets, ropes and plastics.

The incident is also a reminder that we need be careful about debris going into our coastal rivers and estuaries.

Marine debris can also travel great distances on oceanic currents and tends to concentrate in coastal waters and convergence fronts, the same areas that support high concentrations of marine life.

If you see an entangled marine animal or one in distress, call the National Parks and Wildlife Service on 1300 361 967.

abc.net.au

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