Marine Conservation Program

UPDATE 27 October:
We are still on the lookout for an entangled whale off the east coast. Based on the last known location and speed the whale was moving, we expect it will be between Freycinet and the Tasman Peninsula.

While splashing and slapping fins on the water is normal behaviour for the most common whale species seen in Tasmania, the entangled whale will be slow-moving and stay near the surface of the water. The rope and buoys the whale is entangled in will be visible behind it.

If you see the entangled whale, please report sightings to the whale hotline on 0427 WHALES (0426 942 537). Please do not attempt to remove any trailing rope from the whale as this comes with significant safety risks and can actually compromise disentanglement response options.

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Marine Conservation Program staff have received a report about an entangled whale off Tasmania's east coast.

The whale, which is about 6m, was seen earlier this afternoon offshore from St Helens and travelling south at the time.

The whale appears to be trailing about 60m of rope and buoys.

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.
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.

At this time of year, male fur seals disperse from colonies post-breeding to forage in their winter feeding grounds. From March each year, you can expect to see fur seals at less common places in Tasmania as they come ashore to rest.

For the safety of both you and the welfare of the animals, it is important to remember that guidelines for seal watching are in place. Seals are wild animals that require space and approaching them can be dangerous, please give them space to rest and ensure you keep 20m distance between you and the seal, and keep dogs with leashes 50m away from the seal.

Please report sightings of seals to our Marine Conservation Program’s Marine/Whale Hotline on 0427 942 537.