Rubbish leads to slow death for whale

The entanglement and death of a 10.2m humpback whale on a Dampier beach two weeks ago has prompted calls from the Department of Parks and Wildlife for ocean users to properly dispose of their rubbish.

Although it was alive when it became beached on July 12, the whale was sadly in the advanced stages of emaciation and it wasn't long before it died.

DPaW staff discovered the whale was wrapped up in poly rope, commonly used on boats.

They also collected samples from the massive mammal as well as whale louse, which are parasitic crustaceans.

A DPaW spokeswoman stressed Pilbara residents should support a clean marine environment and said they could save ocean animals from a slow death by taking simple measures.

"Take your rubbish, such as discarded fishing gear, bait straps and plastic bags, home, and if you find any rubbish floating at sea or on the coast please pick it up," she said.

In the end, nature took care of its own as the blubbery body was consumed by sharks.

If you find a stranded, sick or injured dolphin or whale, turtle, or seabird, call the DPaW 24-hour Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.