‘Insanity’: entangled whale in Queensland sparks renewed calls for shark net removal

Experts say the Gold Coast will remain a hotspot for whale entanglements while nets remain in place (file image). Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

More whales are likely to get entangled every year unless the “sheer insanity” of shark nets are removed from Queensland waters, scientists say.

Rescue teams freed an adult humpback from shark nets on Tuesday morning, taking the tally to at least seven whales caught in Queensland nets in less than three months – six of which occurred off the Gold Coast.