Summary
Surveys and data sources were used to investigate overlap of migrating humpback whales and both the Western Rock Lobster Fisheries and Developmental Octopus Fisheries off the coast of Western Australia, and to investigate gear modifications to mitigate entanglement. Modifications were made to float rigs (rope type, rope length, and number of floats used), but effectiveness was not assessed within this project. Preliminary results showed that whales are more likely to become entangled in ropes that are thinner, mainlines that are yellow or orange, and orange header rigs. Acoustic pingers were also trialed, but demonstrated no impact on humpback whale behavior; however, the results were inconclusive due to environmental conditions.