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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Environment
Petra Stock

Twelve whales have been tangled in shark nets off Queensland’s coast so far this year. Here’s why

A baby humpback whale caught in a shark net off the Gold Coast in 2018
A baby humpback whale caught in a shark net off the Gold Coast in 2018. Experts say a rise in recent entanglements is related to the recovery of the humpback whale population. Photograph: AAP/Humane Society International

Scientists say a flourishing whale population that is swimming closer to shore and into the path of shark nets is contributing to the 50% increase in entanglements off Queensland’s coast this year.

Nine entanglements involving 12 whales have already occurred this year, compared with six on average, many off the Sunshine Coast. Eight whales were tangled in shark nets in 2024.

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