Boat strikes injure humpback whales migrating along Australia's coast
Exclusive images show deep propeller wounds on migrating humpbacks as strikes increase along the east coast.
Photographs from WWF Australia show adult and juvenile humpbacks with slash marks, missing tail parts and deep cuts from boat propeller strikes. One calf in Hervey Bay last month had fresh broad cuts across its back.
Multiple whales spotted off Sydney's Bondi Beach show repeated propeller damage, including one known as 'bladerunner' with distinctive deep slashes from over 20 years ago. The humpback population rebounded dramatically since the global whaling ban, with numbers growing from fewer than 300 in the 1960s to 40,000 to 50,000 today.
As whale numbers and boat traffic soared, strikes became a growing threat. Most injuries on the whale's back and rear suggest animals surface during migration and cannot react fast enough to avoid boats at speed.
Lost fluke tissue makes swimming harder and uses more energy, harming migration and breeding.
Why it mattersA species that recovered from near extinction now faces a new danger caused by humans. Authorities say this danger is often not reported or fixed.
AustraliaAustralia's humpback migration route is increasingly dangerous as more recreational boats use east coast waters. Speed limits and boat awareness campaigns could reduce injuries.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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