At least 45 whales were entangled in fishing ropes along Australia's east coast in 2024, with a belief that the actual number may be closer to 100.
Dr. Olaf Meynecke emphasizes the need for better management of fishing gear to prevent whale suffering, highlighting that it's a largely ignored issue.
Only 15 whales were successfully disentangled last year, and the case of a juvenile humpback exemplifies the urgency for better rescue coordination.
Experts note that whale entanglements can lead to a prolonged and painful death, calling it “the worst way of dying” for marine animals.
Coordination with fisheries to manage fishing gear and consider whale migration routes is essential to reduce entanglement risks.