A topsy-turvy world - Australians save humpback whale - now they face heavy fines
In Australia, a group of young people saved a Humpback Whale from drowning – and now face potential legal consequences along with a hefty fine. The Whale had become entangled in a net at Marcoola Beach in the tropical state of Queensland, and could barely move.
Four young Australians, who had planned to do Yoga on the beach, discovered the distressed marine mammal and called the authorities, as reported by the Australian ABC, citing the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF). However, after an hour and no response from emergency services, the group reportedly took matters into their own hands.
Whale in Distress
Using their Paddle-Boards, the four swam into the water and attempted to cut through the net with a knife. One of the rescuers, Brenton Owens, stated that the Whale was completely ensnared in two layers of netting. "He was at the surface, but he wasn't moving," he said.
Their top priority was to remove netting that covered one of the Whale's eyes and calm the animal. Eventually, the group managed to free the Whale, who swam away immediately.
Strict Laws in Queensland
The DAF confirmed that an early morning report of a distressed Whale had come in through the appropriate hotline. However, the Whale had already been freed by the time the dispatched expert team arrived at the beach.
According to Queensland law, individuals who fail to maintain a minimum 100-meter distance from a Whale in the water face up to 19,300 Australian Dollars (12,000 Euro) in fines – unless there is a "reasonable excuse." Additionally, a 20-meter distance must be maintained from nets. The maximum fine for non-compliance amounts to approximately 19,800 Euro.
Massive Flipper
A DAF spokesperson stated that the Ministry was considering launching an investigation into possible violations of these laws following the recent incident. "As a reminder to the public, we urge you not to approach or attempt to free netted Whales," the spokesperson emphasized.
"Humpback Whales are massive creatures, exceptionally heavy, and in distress they behave unpredictably," warned Naomi Gardiner, a marine biology professor at James Cook University, quoted by the ABC. The flipper alone can be five meters long and weigh up to a tonne. Stressed Whales can render humans unconscious or even kill them with a single body movement, cautioned the expert.
Despite their heroic actions in saving the Humpback Whale, the four young Australians may still face legal consequences and significant fines due to breaching the 100-meter distance rule in Queensland, as per strict Whale protection laws. Highly cautious of approaching or trying to free entangled Whales, experts stress the immense size and unpredictable behavior of Humpback Whales, with their massive flippers possessing the capability to harm or even kill humans.
