News
Shark Nets Killing Migrating Whales
Friday, 22 Jul, 2022
Each year around 40,000 humpback whales make their way up the East Coast of Australia for their annual migration journey. These waters are also home to a diversity of shark species. Right now every humpback whale on this journey is at risk of becoming hopelessly entangled in shark nets off the coast of Queensland, which aim to cull sharks in a cruel and painful way.
There have been 81 whales officially caught and entangled in Queensland’s shark nets since 2001, including six this season already.
And it's not just whales. Every year hundreds of marine animals are indiscriminately injured or killed by Queensland’s shark culling program, including turtles, dolphins, rays and harmless species of sharks. Queensland is the only state left in Australia which still keeps shark nets in the migratory path of whales, and one of very few places in the world that actively targets protected and endangered marine species.
Sea Shepherd Australia, through their Shark Defence Campaign and as part of the #NetsOutNow movement, has been fighting to educate the public and lobby the government to have these indiscriminate -- and ultimately ineffective -- deathtraps removed from Queensland's beaches, especially during the whale migration season.
After over 60 years of this program, there remains no evidence that shark nets and drumlines do anything to improve beachgoer safety. Queensland’s own Scientific Working Group that advises the Shark "Control" Program has supported the removal of these nets during whale season for years now but the Queensland government is choosing to ignore the advice.
Take Action
Sea Shepherd stands with dozens of organizations calling for an end of shark culling in Australia for good. Check out the five actions you can take action today to help us get the #NetsOutNow and protect these beautiful whales!