Episode 1: Humpback Entanglements

Each year, as humpback whales migrate along Australia's East Coast, the Queensland Shark Control Program’s (QSCP) nets become deadly obstacles for these majestic animals on the Humpback Highway. Whales are crucial for tourism however economic advantage aside, whales also deserve protection in their own right. Humpback whale populations have rebounded after the cessation of whaling in the 1960s, however, this rise in population has also seen a rise in whale entanglements and deaths in QSCP equipment during their migration season each year. Of major concern is that our statistical analysis of the QSCP catch data suggests a projected occurrence of up to 17 whale entanglements this year, with the potential for at least one whale death without urgent action to remove shark nets for migration season this year. While Queensland continually ignores this otherwise preventable crisis, New South Wales (NSW) has taken action for over three decades by removing shark nets during the peak humpback whale migration period since 1989.

ENVOY FOUNDATION WHALE PAPER