Record Whale Entanglements in U.S. and Australian Waters Highlight Conservation Challenges

In 2024, the United States saw a record number of whales entangled in fishing nets, lines, buoys, and other debris, with California accounting for the highest proportion of these cases, particularly near San Francisco and Monterey Bay. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration confirmed 95 entangled whales, predominantly humpback whales, a significant increase from the average of 71 entanglements reported annually. Entanglement poses a severe threat to whales, alongside other dangers like ship strikes, noise pollution, and environmental stressors that reduce their survival chances. Similar incidents were reported off Australia's east coast, where multiple humpback whales and calves became trapped in shark nets near Queensland, highlighting the global nature of this issue and the risks these nets pose to marine life even in protected areas. Despite rescue efforts freeing the entangled whales, the trauma and energy expended during these events may jeopardize their ability to reach feeding grounds. These developments underscore ongoing challenges in balancing human activities and marine conservation efforts.