Humpback whales have made a remarkable recovery from commercial whaling, but face ongoing welfare threats from entanglement, vessel strike, and noise pollution affecting their complex communication and behaviour.
Humpback welfare recovery is genuine: the population now engages in natural migratory behaviour, complex social interactions, and the remarkable vocal communication that makes them one of the most studied cetaceans. Individual welfare threats from entanglement — slow death by exhaustion and injury over days to weeks — are the most serious preventable harm. The welfare science of entanglement injury has improved response capabilities: trained rescue teams can now disentangle whales in many cases. The welfare trajectory is positive but requires continued protection from fishing gear and vessel traffic.