UPDATE: A young humpback whale carcass has been discovered on the beach at Mystery Bay, located 15 kilometers south of Narooma, August 20, 2023. The sighting has captivated onlookers and drone filmmaker, known as the Flying Shark Whisperer, who recorded the event.
The whale, estimated to be approximately 10 meters long, washed ashore under unclear circumstances. “A mate told me about it that morning,” the filmmaker shared with Bay Post. “I’ve always been interested in the circumstances around it and how many sharks would be in the area. It’s not really something you get the chance to witness.”
Despite the rainy weather, the filmmaker seized the opportunity to document the whale, which was found with minimal visible damage. He speculated on the whale’s death, noting, “It must have died and washed up fast or got beached. I am not 100 percent sure of the circumstances.”
While he anticipated seeing several sharks in the vicinity, he only spotted a single white pointer prowling for about an hour. “I think the whale was buried by the afternoon,” he recalled. “When I got back, I could see track marks on the sand.”
Wildlife scientist and author of Humpback Highway, Dr. Vanessa Pirotta, confirmed that the presence of track marks indicates authorities likely removed the carcass to safeguard the public. “What you can see is bloating,” she explained to Bega District News. “We’ve all seen the famous exploding whale on a beach, so authorities need to be notified to make the best decision on how to handle the carcass.”
As whale season sees an influx of marine giants in Australian waters, Dr. Pirotta noted that whale deaths are not uncommon. “When there is an opportunity to see an animal like this up close, it’s pretty amazing,” she stated. “It gives you a new perspective of just how large these animals are.”
She estimated the whale’s age to be between that of a teenager and an adult, highlighting the harsh realities of nature. “Its death is a reminder that sometimes nature can be very cruel, and it’s not necessarily lovely seeing a deceased whale,” she added. “But if anything, it’s an opportunity to acknowledge their giant body size.”
Dr. Pirotta emphasized the scientific importance of such events, stating that even in death, these animals can provide invaluable information to researchers. “The number one thing wildlife scientists think of when a whale dies is researching it further,” she concluded.
As of now, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring the area, and the local community is urged to stay informed about any further developments regarding the whale’s carcass and its impact on marine life. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story.
