Source: Government of Queensland
Issued: 24 Sep 2024
Marine Park rangers have secured a deceased adult humpback in a secluded location near Dream Island in the Great Sandy Straits off K’gari (formally Fraser Island).
A member of the public reported the whale to the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) on 22 September 2024.
Marine Park rangers conducted a visual inspection of the whale on 23 September 2024 and confirmed it was deceased.
The adult humpback whale is approximately 10 to 12 metres in length. No necropsy will be performed but samples of the animal have been taken for analysis.
Marine Park rangers towed the whale approximately one kilometre from where it initially beached itself to secured mangroves in the local area to allow the natural processes of decomposition to continue.
During the annual migration, whales can strand or die for different reasons including poor health, injury or predation.
Whenever a whale strands or moves on the tides in open water, people are advised to stay away from the animal. Whales can carry zoonotic diseases, and people are advised never to touch them.
People must be aware that sharks feed on whale carcasses, which can increase the danger if people approach a stranded or deceased whale.
Deceased or stranded marine life, including whales, should be reported immediately to DES on 1300 130 372 or to the relevant council.