Humpback Whale Calf Drowns in Shark Net Off Australia's Coast

On October 29th, 2025, a tragic incident occurred off the coast of New South Wales, Australia. A humpback whale calf, measuring 8 meters in length, was found dead after becoming entangled in a shark net. This marks the 15th whale to have been caught in the state's shark nets so far this year, but the first confirmed fatality.

According to officials, the juvenile whale was discovered wrapped in netting north of Wollongong, between the towns of Coledale and Wombarra. Rescue teams from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA), and Marine Rescue NSW responded to the scene, but were unable to save the animal. The whale carcass later washed ashore on Tuesday night.

The tragic incident has reignited calls for the New South Wales government to end its controversial shark netting program. Experts argue that the large-scale removal of sharks along beaches does little to actually reduce the risk to beachgoers, while causing significant harm to marine life. They advocate for investing in modern, more effective shark mitigation technologies, such as subsidizing personal deterrent devices, improving public education, and implementing eco-friendly barriers.

The death of this young humpback whale is a stark reminder of the need to find a better balance between public safety and environmental protection. As the state continues to grapple with this issue, the fate of whales and other marine creatures hangs in the balance.