Tasmania’s Marine Conservation Program are calling for public assistance after reports of an entangled whale off the state’s east coast.
The six-metre whale was observed this afternoon near St Helens, moving southward with approximately 60 metres of rope and buoys trailing behind its body.
The Marine Conservation Program has activated its response team and is urging the public to report any sightings to the whale hotline.
“Members of the public are asked to keep an eye out for this whale and report any sightings to the whale hotline on 0427 WHALES,” a Marine Conservation Program spokesperson said.
“Anyone who spots the whale is asked to accurately record its location and the direction it is heading and phone the hotline for further advice. If safe to take photos, please capture images.”
“Whales are powerful animals capable of causing injury or death and the public should not attempt any rescue.”
“Our team has specialised equipment and staff are trained in nationally recognised techniques to carry out whale disentanglement.”
