Alexandra Feiam and Emma Kirk: A four-metre juvenile humpback whale carcass that washed up at a popular Sydney beach may be tested for H5 bird flu, authorities say.
The discovery was made by a member of the public at Greenhills Beach in Cronulla at 6.30am Friday, reporting a “stranded whale” at the beach.
Since then, reports have been circulating that the whale is being tested for H5 bird flu.
A NSW H5 Avian Influenza Response spokesperson told NewsWire they “may test” the whale in line with the Australian-wide approach.
“As part of the agreed national approach to monitoring and surveillance for H5 bird flu, the NSW H5 Avian Influenza Response may test marine mammals found on beaches, such as whales and seals,” they said.
There have been no recorded cases ever of this species of whale contracting H5 bird influenza.
The whale calf died shortly after emergency services arrived, an Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) spokesperson told NewsWire.
NSW Department of Primary Industries Fisheries and local lifeguards were notified of the whale carcass about 9.40am on Friday.
Swimmers and surfers were forced out of the water after the discovery, but the beach remains open.
A Sutherland Shire Council spokesperson told NewsWire the whale was about four metres in length and may undergo a cultural ceremony before it is removed.
“Whales hold significant cultural and spiritual importance for the Dharawal people and Council is working in partnership with the Gamay Rangers, and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure the matter is managed appropriately, respectfully and in line with established protocols,” they said.
“This will include the Gamay Rangers leading a potential cultural ceremony onsite in acknowledgment of the whale.”
Once the cultural ceremony is completed, the carcass will be removed from the site.
“Sutherland Shire Council acknowledges the cultural significance of this process and appreciates the community’s understanding and co-operation while this work is undertaken,” they said.
A spokesperson said the cause of the stranding is currently unknown and an investigation is under way “while agencies complete operational and cultural requirements”.
“There are many reasons why whales can become stranded, including illness, injury, separation from their mother, navigational challenges or other natural factors,” they told NewsWire.
“Members of the public are reminded to keep well away from stranded marine mammals, keep dogs on leads and away from the area, and follow directions from emergency personnel,” they said.
A Surf Life Saving spokesperson told NewsWire the whale was a juvenile and was in the process of being removed.
“Council Lifeguards are on scene and dealing with it along with wildlife agencies and working on a plan to remove the carcass,” they told NewsWire.
“Our drone pilot who was already there on the scheduled shark surveillance patrol will be closely monitoring the water throughout the day for any shark activity.”
The ORRCA spokesperson thanked the member of the public who reported the stranded marine animal.
“Early reporting provides the best possible opportunity for trained responders to assess an animal and determine the most appropriate course of action,” they said.
Sydney Beaches
Cronulla is a popular destination for whale watching, situated in a migration route dubbed the “humpback highway”.
Thousands of whales, dolphins and seals migrate along the country’s east coast between May and November each year, frequently passing through Cronulla.
Washed-up whale carcasses can often attract sharks, as their oils and fluids travel through the water and can be detected from kilometres away.
The washed-up whale carcass comes days after two sharks were detected at Cronulla.
A 2.63 metre white shark was tagged and released from the SMART drum line shortly before 3pm on Wednesday at Oak Park Beach, about 4.5km from the whale carcass.
A day earlier at 3pm, a shark was detected at North Cronulla Beach, forcing the beach to close and swimmers forced out of the water.
#Yahoo
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