ORRCA released a map of predicted locations of an entangled whale. Image: ORRCA.
A marine life rescue organisation is calling for public assistance to locate an entangled whale believed to be moving north off the Illawarra coastline today (Wednesday 4 February).
Drone operators and whale spotters are being urged to assist in the search for a humpback whale entangled in a green rope which has been travelling close to shore along the South Coast and could now be in waters around the Illawarra.
The whale was first sighted in Tathra by drone on 31 January and was tracking north.
It was briefly located on 1 February off Dalmeny, with a further sighting reported by members of the public later that day near Plantation Point.
The whale has not been sighted for more than two days.
The Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) has estimated, based on its last location and travel speed, that it could be around Port Kembla at 10 am this morning, Bellambi at 2 pm and Thirroul at 4 pm.
“However, in the absence of recent sightings, these projections should be treated as indicative only and may no longer be accurate,” an ORRCA spokesperson said in a Facebook post.
Anyone who spots a humpback whale travelling north in the region in coming days is urged to call the ORRCA 24/7 hotline immediately on (02) 9415 3333.
“This whale is entangled in green rope which is tightly wrapped around its body, and is not trailing any buoys or line,” the ORRCA spokesperson said.
“Due to the nature of the entanglement, it is likely best seen by drone.
“The entanglement may not be obvious if sighted from shore.”
If sighted, information that could support ORRCA in locating and rescuing the whale include estimated GPS coordinates, direction of travel and estimated distance from the shore.
“A reminder to all drone operators that a minimum distance of 100 m must be maintained from whales, both horizontally and vertically,” the ORRCA spokesperson said.
“Vessels are also required to keep at least 100 m away, with this distance increasing to 300 m for jet skis.”
Teams from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Large Whale Disentanglement Team (LWDT) and Sea World Foundation are on standby to attempt a disentanglement should the whale be sighted again and if conditions allow.
