Queensland launches high-frequency acoustic pingers to protect migrating whales from shark nets

Off the coast of Noosa Heads, Queensland, a five-week experiment is testing new high-frequency acoustic alarms on shark nets, aiming to keep migrating humpback whales from getting caught. The project brings together the University of Queensland, the state government and alarm maker Future Oceans, which says the pingers emit sounds that whales and dolphins can hear and avoid. Researchers will observe the nets for ten hours each day, tracking any whales that approach during the current southern migration season, which sees about 50,000 individuals pass the east coast.

Shark control program coordinator Sam Fary noted that only about 0.02 % of whales currently interact with the nets, but sees room for improvement. Conservationist Olaf Meynecke warned that shark nets remain lethal to many non-target species and that removing them during whale season would eliminate entanglements entirely. Primary Industries Minister Tony Perrett framed the trial as part of the government's commitment to swimmer safety while exploring modern scientific solutions.