{
  "id": 19418390,
  "title": "Researchers worried by decline in migrating humpback whales off WA",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/researchers-worried-by-decline-in-migrating-humpback-whales-off-wa",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T00:02:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-11/declining-humpback-numbers-western-australia-experts-concerned/107356336"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A concerning decline in humpback whale numbers during their migration along Western Australia's coastline has researchers on alert. The trend mirrors a broader drop in whale sightings and a rise in strandings across Southern Hemisphere oceans. A Broome tour operator reports a marked reduction in whale sightings, requiring tours to venture farther offshore to locate the creatures. Researchers note a 60% decrease in humpback whales migrating from the Southern Ocean to WA's northern waters this year. Observers also documented fewer calves and an increase in strandings and entanglements along the coast. Mothers with calves were notably absent from the southern migration post-birthing off the Kimberley region.\n\nExperts describe the 2023 season as \"strange.\" Dr. Olaf Meynecke, a marine scientist, attributes the situation to the accelerated melting of sea ice, which reduces the whales' time in feeding areas. Simultaneously, lower food availability due to changing krill populations and phytoplankton blooms is exacerbating the issue. Dr. Meynecke observed undernourished mothers with depleted fat reserves, raising concerns about their ability to feed their calves. Dr. Meynecke also reported a surge in whale entanglements, with 60 incidents recorded across Australia this year, a 20% increase. He worries about the survival rate and the potential for many unreported entanglements. Ongoing research is crucial, as humpback whales often serve as indicators for the health of other whale populations. If humpbacks face challenges, it could signal broader issues for larger whales.",
  "summary": "Experts say a decline in migrating humpback whales along Western Australia's coast reflects a trend across the Southern Hemisphere.",
  "key_points": [
    "Humpback whale numbers decline by 60% during WA migration.",
    "Broome tour operator reports reduced sightings, needing offshore trips.",
    "Surge in strandings and entanglements raises survival concerns."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The plummeting numbers of migrating humpback whales signal a destabilizing marine ecosystem where melting sea ice and dwindling food sources threaten the survival of entire whale populations.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}