Entangled whale sets itself free

AAP - A whale that became caught in shark netting off the Gold Coast appears to have set itself free.

A Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries spokeswoman said the Marine Animal
Release Team (MART) was notified of the entangled whale off Tallebudgera Beach,
about 4.10pm (AEDT).
But when they got to the destination, the whale was gone, she said.
"There was no sign of the whale, the net was broken away on one end."
She said there did not appear to be any missing netting and the whale had most
likely made a full escape.
Shark controllers will replace the net on Sunday morning and evaluate if any of the
net is missing, she said.
Two weeks ago, marine rescuers spent almost eight hours freeing a humpback whale
snared in shark netting off nearby Currumbin Beach.
Since 2000, 23 whales have been caught in shark netting in Queensland.
Of these entanglements, 20 whales have been successfully freed by MART units, which
are based on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Mackay.
Anyone who spots a whale or other marine animal entangled in fishing gear or shark
netting is urged to call the 24-hour Shark Hotline on 1800 806 891.