❓ Question regarding the handling of a whale carcass near Gracetown during the Margaret River Pro surfing competition, focusing on the timeline of awareness, removal, and actions taken to mitigate shark attraction.
AnsweredQoN 3616Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the whale carcass that washed ashore at Left Handers surf break near Gracetown at the time of the Margaret River Pro, and ask: (a) When did the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions become aware of the whale carcass; (b) Which agency removed the whale carcass, how and when; (c) Why wasn't the whale carcass removed prior to the start of the Margaret River Pro; and (d) What actions were taken to reduce the impact of the whale carcass attracting sharks to the area before it was eventually removed: (i) If no action was taken, why?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
18 September 2018
Responded by
Parliamentary Secretary representing the Minister for Environment
Response time
9 days
(a) At approximately 9.30am on Monday, 16 April 2018.
(b) The removal of the Gray’s beaked whale carcass was coordinated by Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) with assistance from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Margaret River Volunteer Marine Rescue group. The carcass was removed from the coast on Tuesday, 17 April 2018.
(c) The 2018 Margaret River Pro started several days before the Gray’s beaked whale carcass washed ashore.
(d) On Monday, 16 April 2018, a DBCA officer tethered the Gray’s beaked whale carcass to rocks on the shore which prevented the carcass from re-floating.
(i) Not applicable.
(b) The removal of the Gray’s beaked whale carcass was coordinated by Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) with assistance from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Margaret River Volunteer Marine Rescue group. The carcass was removed from the coast on Tuesday, 17 April 2018.
(c) The 2018 Margaret River Pro started several days before the Gray’s beaked whale carcass washed ashore.
(d) On Monday, 16 April 2018, a DBCA officer tethered the Gray’s beaked whale carcass to rocks on the shore which prevented the carcass from re-floating.
(i) Not applicable.
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