Humpback whale remains trapped in rope off Barwon Heads
A whale which became tangled in rope used for lobster farming will remain trapped overnight with operations to rescue it suspended due to bad weather.
"Deteriorating weather conditions and visibility have made it too unsafe to attempt the rescue," said a statement from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
Specialist staff will return to the scene on Saturday morning to continue monitoring the situation and recommence the operation to free the whale, weather permitting.
A local fisherman spotted the entangled mammal on Friday morning off Barwon Heads on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Specialist staff from the DELWP and Fisheries Victoria approached the whale in boats and have been attempting to free it.
Dallas D'Silvia from Fisheries Victoria said the rope came from a deep-water lobster pot that was tied to a buoy.
The department has reminded boaters, jet skiers and swimmers that whales are protected under state legislation and they must stay at least 50 metres away from whales at all times.
"Members of the public are urged to stay clear of the whale, for their own safety and for the mammal's welfare," said DELWP commander David Misfud.