The 20-tonne sperm whale carcass that washed ashore last weekend at Era Point south of Sydney was successfully removed from the rock platform near Era Beach at dawn today.
Working closely with partner agencies, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has completed the challenging operation to remove the carcass and transport it by sea and road to the Whytes Gully waste facility in Wollongong.
Due to the lack of vehicle access to the site, a large tug with a towing capacity of 60 tonnes was used to remove the carcass from the rocks and then tow it more than 10 kilometres south to Bellambi. The eight-metre carcass was safely transferred from the water and transported to the waste facility.
NPWS liaised with the local Aboriginal community throughout the operation to ensure cultural values and connections were appropriately considered.
NPWS and Surf Life Saving NSW are advising people to remain out of the water until Era, Wattamolla, Garie and Burning Palms beaches are formally reopened.
Quote attributed to NPWS Area Manager Brendon Neilly
"The operation to remove the carcass was of leviathan proportions. The location, size and distances made it one of the most challenging operations of its kind.
"The successful outcome is a credit to all agencies involved. Their advice, cooperation and support were crucial in safely completing this complex and sensitive operation."
Species background
Sperm whales are the largest toothed predator in the world and, on average, grow to around 16 metres and weigh up to 50 tonnes.
They are generally found in the deeper waters beyond the continental shelf, where they are able to dive to depths of 2,500 metres, feeding on squid, octopus and fish.
