Minns must cop the blame for death of baby whale in shark nets: Greens
Greens MP and healthy oceans spokesperson Cate Faehrmann has called on the Minns Government to immediately end the use of shark nets in NSW, after a baby humpback whale was killed after becoming entangled in a shark net off Wollongong on Tuesday.
“It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see a baby humpback whale die like this, especially because its death was totally preventable,” said Ms Faehrmann.
“The Minns Government is well aware that these nets are just killing machines for marine life that don’t protect swimmers, but the Premier has ordered them to stay in for another summer regardless. The Premier must take the blame for the death of this baby humpback whale.
“The government knows shark nets do nothing to protect people and that there are far better alternatives that actually protect both people and marine life. It’s time to be truthful to the people of NSW about shark nets to ensure safe passage for our whales and other ocean creatures.
“Every year when the nets go in we see more whales and other wildlife like dolphins, endangered loggerhead turtles and critically endangered grey nurse sharks trapped, injured or killed.
“It’s unacceptable for the government to sit back for another summer of carnage of some of our most loved marine life because Chris Minns doesn’t have the courage to do what’s right.,” said Cate Faehrmann.
The 8-metre juvenile whale, found wrapped in netting near Coledale Beach on Tuesday morning, is believed to have drowned after becoming entangled while migrating south to Antarctica. The death has reignited long-standing calls for the government to end its Shark Meshing (Bather Protection) Program, which currently deploys nets at 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong.