Each year, the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) responds to numerous reports of entangled humpback whales migrating along the east coast of Australia, including right here off the Illawarra coastline. While disentangling these magnificent animals is a critical and often life-saving step, their challenges do not end once the ropes are removed.
Entanglement can have serious and lasting impacts on a whale’s health. The physical trauma, exhaustion, and restricted movement caused by entanglement can lead to long-term complications that persist even after rescue.
Recently, ORRCA tracked a humpback whale along the Illawarra coast that highlighted just how enduring these effects can be. In late July, ORRCA member Khynan Gardner filmed this whale while it was still entangled. A little over a month later, in mid-September, Ashley Sykes, also an ORRCA member, captured footage of the same individual following its successful disentanglement. While the gear had been removed, the whale’s health had noticeably deteriorated.
Observers noted a light brown discolouration caused by prolific whale lice, a tell-tale sign of poor health and a weakened immune system. Despite being freed, this whale’s condition continued to decline, serving as a sobering reminder of the lasting toll entanglement can take.
This case underscores the importance of early detection and rapid response. The sooner an entangled whale is reported, the greater its chances of survival and recovery. Every sighting plays a role in protecting these animals and contributing valuable data to ongoing research and rescue efforts.
If you’re out on the water or along the coast and spot an entangled whale, please don’t attempt to intervene directly. Instead, call the ORRCA 24-hour Rescue Hotline on (02) 9415 3333 immediately.
Your quick action could make all the difference.
Together, with community vigilance and ORRCA’s dedicated volunteers, we can continue to give these incredible ocean giants their best chance at recovery and a safe journey through our coastal waters.
For more information, visit the ORRCA website
