A Sea World rescue team has saved a humpback whale off the coast of North Stradbroke Island, after being alerted to a large adult whale which was wrapped in rope and buoys.
The whale, which was partially untangled on Tuesday, had been dragging commercial fishing tackle all the way from northern Victoria.
Marine scientist Trevor Long said the rescue team had been unable to remove some of the tackle and rope, which was caught behind the whales pectoral fin.
Long said he hopes that the animal will be able to free itself from the remaining ropes and buoys over the next few days, as otherwise the whale will die.