Humpback whale populations have partially recovered from commercial whaling but face new welfare threats from ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement, and acoustic pollution.
Humpback whale recovery is one of conservation's great successes, but recovered populations now face new anthropogenic welfare threats. Ship strike injuries cause traumatic deaths and severe sublethal injuries including broken bones and deep lacerations. Entanglement in lobster pot lines and other fixed fishing gear causes prolonged suffering that can last weeks before death or rescue. Acoustic pollution disrupts the intricate communication system through which humpbacks coordinate feeding, reproduction, and navigation. Disentanglement teams provide direct welfare intervention, but preventive measures including shipping lane adjustments and ropeless fishing gear address the root causes.