Marine rescue organizations in Australia successfully freed a dolphin calf entangled in a fishing net, facilitating a heartwarming reunion with its mother. The operation took place on July 24, 2023, near Batemans Bay, and involved collaboration among several groups, including the Sea World Foundation, the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), and the Organization for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans (ORRCA).
The calf was first spotted in mid-June, struggling to swim due to being ensnared in a braided fishing net. Local community members raised the alarm, prompting rescue organizations to devise a multi-agency operation. According to ORRCA, the team utilized multiple vessels and drone operators to locate the mother and calf, ultimately spotting them just off MacKenzies Beach on the morning of the rescue.
Once on the water, the Sea World Foundation team successfully located the dolphin calf and assessed the situation using a drone. Aerial footage captured the young dolphin dragging the fishing net behind it while its mother swam close by. This critical observation allowed rescue team members to enter the water and cut the fishing line that had trapped the calf.
The operation concluded with another aerial video showing the mother and calf swimming away together, marking a successful end to the mission. A member of the rescue team expressed their relief and joy, stating, “Mums picked it up! They’re together.”
The collaboration among various marine rescue teams highlights the importance of community involvement and the effectiveness of coordinated efforts in wildlife rescue operations. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by marine debris and the need for continued vigilance in protecting marine life.