We are responsible for responding to animals entangled in shark control program nets or drumlines.
Animals entangled in shark nets or drumlines
Call the Shark Control Program Hotline on 1800 806 891 to report marine animals including whales entangled in shark nets or drumlines.
Learn how we respond to reports of entangled animals.
Whales stranded or entangled in fishing equipment
Call the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation on 1300 130 372 to report:
- whales stranding—when whales wash up on beaches, also known as ‘beaching’
- whales entangled in fishing equipment (other than shark nets or drumlines).
During the annual humpback whale migration season from May to October, the chance of humpback whales becoming entangled in shark nets increases.
It is estimated that more than 50,000 humpback whales migrate along the Queensland coastline each year and, on average, 8 become entangled in nets or drumlines.
Last updated: 11 Sep 2026