An entangled humpback whale is being monitored by satellite tracker off the coast of Sydney, according to wildlife officials. The whale is one of eight currently caught in marine debris along the New South Wales coast.
The whale was first reported by a member of the public on June 25, 2026, near Bondi Beach. A rescue team from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) attached a satellite tag to the rope and buoys trailing from the whale to track its movements.
NPWS officials stated that the whale is in good condition and swimming strongly, but the entanglement poses a serious risk. The rope and buoys can cause injury, restrict feeding, or lead to drowning. The satellite tracker will help rescuers locate the whale for a potential disentanglement operation.
This incident is part of a broader trend, with eight humpback whales reported entangled in fishing gear and other marine debris off the NSW coast this season. The NPWS urges boaters to report any sightings of entangled whales to the Whale and Dolphin Sighting Hotline.
