Increase in Whale Entanglements off Australia's East Coast
Australian scientists have observed a troubling rise in the number of whales caught in fishing and shark nets during this migration season.
According to recent data, there have been 48 separate entanglements of humpback whales on the East Coast in the past few months, surpassing last year's estimate of 45 entangled whales.
This information was collected from various sources, including social media posts, newspaper articles, and enquiries to authorities, highlighting the need for an official database.
The International Whaling Commission has voluntary reports on its portal.
Trends in Entanglements
Entanglements of humpback whales in set fishing gear have been steadily rising since the 1990s, consistent with the increasing population size.
- In 2017, there were approximately 20 entanglements.
- Rising entanglements are part of a concerning trend seen in the United States and elsewhere.
Author's summary: Whales are getting entangled in fishing nets off Australia's East Coast at an alarming rate.
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