Huge 46-foot, 30-tonne humpback whale that was cut free from illegal fishing net off Majorca dies after beaching a week later on another beach 190 miles away

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a massive 46-foot humpback whale, weighing 30 tonnes, has passed away on a Spanish beach, more than 190 miles away from where it was freed from an illegal drift fishing net. The rescue team of divers had successfully liberated the majestic creature from its entanglement just a week prior, after it was spotted by a ship near the coast of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, off the eastern coast of Spain.

The humpback whale swam away, emitting air from its blowhole, providing a glimmer of hope for its recovery. However, the optimism was short-lived as the whale was discovered stranded on a beach in the Valencian town of Tavernes de la Valldigna on the mainland of Spain. The specialists from the Oceanography Foundation, who examined the weakened whale, found multiple cuts on its dorsal fin, indicative of its struggle.

Gigi Torras, a marine biologist who participated in the initial rescue effort, expressed deep sadness, stating, “It is horrible. This has been really depressing.” The experts concluded that the massive mammal would not survive if returned to the sea, leading to the difficult decision not to attempt its re-release. Jose Luis Crespo, the head of conservation at the Oceanography Foundation, explained, “We would have caused more injuries and made its condition worse, and it would possibly have been back on the sand the next day.”

This unfortunate incident sheds light on the destructive impact of illegal drift nets, which are often referred to as “Walls of Death” due to the indiscriminate capture of not only the intended fish but also a significant amount of other marine life. These nets were prohibited by the United Nations three decades ago, highlighting the severe damage they cause to the ocean ecosystems. “I hope this opens people’s eyes to the damage they are causing to the oceans,” remarked Torras, who owns the Albatros diving centre in Mallorca.

The loss of this magnificent humpback whale serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need to address illegal fishing practices and protect marine life. Efforts must be intensified to enforce existing regulations and raise awareness about the devastating consequences of such activities on our delicate marine ecosystems. Only through collective action can we strive towards a future where these magnificent creatures can thrive undisturbed in their natural habitats.

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