Whales

The public is warned of increased risk from sharks and crocodiles, after numerous whale carcasses are found scattered along the coast near Broome in Western Australia.

The mature whale shark was caught biting the tail of a juvenile female during a research expedition at Ningaloo in May last year.
(Supplied: Aust. Institute of Marine Science / Murdoch University / Harry Butler Institute / University of WA.)

As 2024 nears its end, here are some of the best news photos from a year marked by triumph, tragedy and all points in between. 

At opposite ends of the planet, a tale of two whale species has emerged — giving researchers hope and concern in equal measure. 

Drone footage of a southern right whale and her calf.

The whale broke migration records by travelling more than 13,000 kilometres over a period of almost a decade.

One researcher witnessed seven drones hover over a humpback whale and its calf off Western Australia's south coast as a desire for images trumps respect for wildlife.

Scientists in New Zealand have begun dissecting what is considered the rarest whale in the world, a species so elusive that only seven of the animals have ever been documented.

Pilot whales that perished in two mass strandings in south-west WA over the past two years are found to be carrying salmonella, something not detected in the species before.

New research has found that recreational boats may be underestimated as a strike risk to migrating whales in Moreton Bay — a region with an "unusual proportion" of humpback whale calves.

Riley Grining was skippering a cruise around Tasmania's Macquarie Harbour on Sunday when he received a call to help stop a pod of pilot whales from stranding themselves on a beach.

Scientists say southern right whale numbers have recovered in the Great Australian Bight Marine Park, and are now calling for further protection as they move into new areas.

The Sea World marine rescue crew has had one of its busiest years ever disentangling whales off the east Australian coast, and what happens after they are freed has long been a mystery.

A mating frenzy captured on camera off Western Australia's south coast is a promising sign for southern right numbers still recovering from decades of whaling, according to a marine biologist.

The Bryde’s whale might not be as recognisable as a humpback or killer whale but that might be about to change.

Shane Roil spotted a pack of six to eight orcas while fishing off the coast of Port Hedland.

Locals videoed the dead whale being eaten by sharks as it made its way towards a popular swimming and surfing beach on Western Australia's south coast.

Five sperm whales found washed up on a remote Tasmanian Island have all died, with the beach to remain closed while samples are taken.

Over recent months, there have been multiple reports of a lone dolphin attacking swimmers. Why is it happening and what are authorities saying?

A team of Indigenous rangers are working with scientists to understand just how much wildlife still exists at Gamay, also known as Sydney's Botany Bay.