Humpback whales are increasingly seen in UK waters following recovery from whaling. Their welfare depends on prey availability, entanglement risk reduction and disturbance management.
Humpback whale welfare in UK waters is primarily affected by entanglement risk and vessel disturbance. A humpback entangled in lobster pot lines or gill netting may carry the gear for months, causing wounds, energy depletion and eventually drowning or starvation. The BDMLR coordinates responses to entangled whales, but disentanglement of large cetaceans is technically extremely difficult and dangerous. Vessel disturbance during feeding causes energy costs that reduce foraging efficiency. The welfare gains from whaling prohibition have been real and substantial - a population that was near-extinct now thrives. Maintaining this recovery requires continued protection from human-caused mortality.