Entangled Whale's Death Reignites Calls to End Shark Net Program

On October 29th, 2025, an 8-metre juvenile whale was discovered dead, entangled in netting near Coledale beach. Authorities believe the whale drowned after becoming trapped while migrating south to Antarctica.

This tragic incident marks the first confirmed whale death out of 14 entanglements in shark nets along the coasts of Queensland and New South Wales so far this year. The government's shark mesh net program, which deploys nets at 51 beaches between Newcastle and Wollongong, has long been a subject of controversy due to its impact on marine life.

The whale's untimely death has now reignited calls for the government to end the shark net program. Environmentalists and animal welfare advocates have been pushing for the program's termination, arguing that the nets pose a serious threat to whales, dolphins, and other protected species. They contend that alternative, more selective methods of shark deterrence should be explored to ensure the safety of swimmers without jeopardizing the delicate marine ecosystem.

As the debate over the shark net program continues, this latest incident has underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive review of the government's approach to coastal safety and marine conservation.