Whale release team to the rescue

Date: 2014-08-29

The recovery of whale populations that visit the East Coast of South Africa during the annual migration period from June to November is a great achievement in conservation terms. The two main species consist of the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) and to a lesser extent, the southern right whale (Eubalaena australis). Humpback whale populations are estimated to have almost returned to their pre whaling day population size off the South African coast and there are estimated to be in the region of 14000 of this species, increasing by approximately 7-9% per annum.

With the population almost reaching the natural carrying capacity it is highly likely that the mortality rate, both from natural and unnatural causes, will increase. Adult sizes of both of these species are extremely large. The average length of an adult humpback whale is between 12-16 metres with a weight of approximately 36,000 kilograms (36 tons) and the average adult southern right whale attains a maximum size of 15m and can weigh up to 47,000 kilograms (47 tons).

Unfortunately on occasions whales collide with shark nets. The majority of adults are capable of breaking free however younger animals often have to be assisted. The Sharks Board is a member of (SAWDN) the South African Whale Disentanglement Network, an official body responsible for all whale disentanglement in South Africa, has 3 specialised whale release teams that are on standby throughout the whale season.

These members of staff are highly trained and equipped for releasing of large marine mammals from shark safety gear. Response times vary depending on where the entanglement occurs, however it is important that the public is aware that the animal is capable of surviving for a long period of time, as long as it can make the surface for air.

The objective of the whale release team is to ensure that the whale is not only freed but that all entangling ropes or netting is removed. The release operation is carefully planned to ensure that the whale does not swim away before all the lines are removed. Any ropes or netting which cannot be removed could possibly lead to its demise.

Two recent incidents of members of the public attempting to cut whales free from shark nets, which is illegal in terms of the Marine Living Resources Act (1998), is a serious cause for concern. This is not only extremely dangerous for the individuals involved but also for the animal which in all likelihood will swim away trailing some of the netting and/or ropes, which could eventually kill the animal. Untrained persons do not realise the power of these animals and anyone entering the water with an entangled animal is courting disaster.

The KZNSB appeals to the public to refrain from approaching any entangled whale and to rather contact the KZNSB with details of the entanglement. The KZNSB whale entanglement release team will then respond to the situation to release the whale. All correspondence must be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer

Springclean

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Nissan T5ekton

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