Whale washed up on Frenchman`s Beach

UQ Moreton Bay Research Station Education Officer Kathy Townsend and Centre for Marine Science student and traditional owner Darren Burns were called to attend this week`s stranding of a humpback whale found on Frenchman’s Beach at Point Lookout.

The perfectly formed new born calf was in pristine condition, with no external injuries found. The 4.5 m male still had part of its bloodied umbilical cord attached, indicating that he was only days to hours old.

The baby humpback appeared to have been separated from its mother the previous evening only to get trapped in the heavy surf conditions. Unable to free itself from the surf, it became exhausted and ultimately drowned in the big seas.

The body was found by UQ alumnus and Point Lookout local Dr Mike Hines on his regular morning walk.

The Station`s role in the operation was to liaise with the Environmental Protection Agency and traditional owners, record details of the animal, take samples as required and attempt to determine the cause/circumstances of death. The MBRS also took an active role in providing information about the incident and whale biology/ecology to the general public at the site.

After Dr Townsend had taken measurements, photos and notes on the animal, Marine Parks rangers and Redland Shire Council had the arduous task of disposing of the one tonne animal.

The whale had washed up on one of the most inaccessible beaches at Point Lookout. Frenchman’s Beach has only two access points, one over a headland of rocks and boulders and the other via a steep staircase with over 200 steps.

Ms Townsend said one attempt was made to pull the animal back out to sea with the help of the surf rescue boats, but unfortunately the animal was too heavy and the sea too rough to allow this to happen. Eventually, the council was able to get a front end loader onto the beach and tow the animal to an area in which they buried it.

Media: Further information and pix, Kathy Townsend, telephone Ph (07) 3409 9058, email kathy.townsend@uq.edu.au.