On Saturday, two humpback whales, a mother and her calf, became entangled in a shark net off Queensland’s Rainbow Beach, leading to urgent rescue efforts by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI). Reports of the entanglement were received shortly before 6 a.m., and DPI’s rescue team arrived by 10:30 a.m. to assist. Deputy Director Pauline Jacob emphasized that the public should refrain from interfering, as attempts by bystanders, including scuba divers, worsened the situation.

This incident is part of a troubling trend, with nine whale entanglements documented in nine days as humpbacks migrate south after breeding. Andre Borell of the Envoy Foundation criticized shark control measures, arguing for the removal of nets during whale migration seasons, citing a lack of scientific support for their effectiveness.

In related developments, the Queensland government plans to allocate more funds to its shark management strategy by 2029, while the New South Wales government has paused a trial to remove some nets due to a recent shark incident. Whale experts note that mothers and calves are particularly vulnerable to entanglements, as calves do not recognize the dangers. Concurrently, a report from South Australia revealed that recent algal blooms have been linked to the deaths of three great white sharks.



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