It's often said that using shark nets along the Australian coast cause more harm than good. While calming the nerves of anxious swimmers, they can trap marine life in their nets, sharks or otherwise. And they don't reduce shark attacks anyway, apparently.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol along with Sea World Research and Rescue Foundation worked tirelessly on Saturday to free a humpback whale calf who became entrapped in the nets off the coast of Coolangatta, Queensland.
The mother of the baby floated beside the animal, staying with it until it was completely freed. While there was no victorious and Free Willy-esque breach, the video is pretty heart-rending stuff.
Away with you, nets.
