Noosa Against Nets splits after founder films whale calf and mother entangled in shark nets off Main Beach

A group on the Sunshine Coast campaigning to protect marine life has split up after its founder filmed whales caught in a shark net triggering a wave of online threats and abuse aimed at her.

Madeleine Boyd, 31, captured video footage on October 6 of a mother whale and her calf caught in the nets off Noosa Main Beach on the Sunshine Coast sparking heated debate within the community.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Mother whale and calf tangled in shark nets off Noosa

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The footage divided the local activist group Noosa Against Nets, which has since broken up amid disagreement over the founder’s approach.

“It was heartbreaking to see the mother whale and her calf caught in those shark nets,” Boyd said.

“They were struggling, and there was nothing we could do but watch.”

She described the calls of the mother whale as something that “still echoes in my mind” — that’s why she went out to capture it.

“Honestly, it will haunt you.”

Madeleine Boyd, founder of Noosa Against Nets, filmed a whale entangled in a shark net, capturing the heartbreaking rescue from a safe distance. Credit: FacebookDrone vision shows the calf dragged under by shark net, barely able to surface for air off Noosa. Credit: 7NEWS

She explained after she could not find a boat to take her out to the stressed humpback whales, she and a licensed operator went out on a jet ski to observe and document the entanglement.

They had no intention of putting the humpbacks under any further stress.

“I went out with a licensed jet ski operator to observe and document what was happening – not to interfere, but to help people hear and feel the reality of the whale’s suffering,” she said.

But former co-organisers Alex Murray and Jo Anne Scott criticised Boyd’s decision to film so closely, saying it endangered both the whales and rescuers.

“We believe that on October 6 Madeleine endangered the whales, rescuers and herself by choosing to hire a jet ski and approach in order to video the rescue. We have therefore agreed to part ways,” they said in a joint Facebook statement, which is now deleted.

“We hope Madeleine will choose to follow rescuer instructions in the future and wish her all the best in her efforts to bring attention to this important issue in more appropriate ways.”

Boyd stressed they maintained the required 300-metre distance.

She said she used “a really good phone and zoom” to film the whale from a safe distance, ensuring she did not get too close during the rescue operation.

“We were respectful, careful and followed every instruction from authorities,” she said.

“If anyone felt I crossed a line, I truly regret that, but my actions came from compassion and a deep desire to help.”

Boyd said the treats and harassment are taking a mental toll on her.

“After posting the footage, I received threats, some even came through to my workplace,” she said.

She told 7news.com.au she has only recently started a new full-time job as a drama teacher at a local school.

“One of the women abusing me in my messages has now told me that she knows where I work, named my school, and knows who my boss is,” Boyd said.

She has even been called into work because of these threats, and fears losing her job over the situation.

“It’s scary, the level of abuse I’ve been subjected to, and how it’s already affecting my work life,” she said.

She stresses the importance of having a strong support system to cope.

Boyd openly shared her past struggles, revealing she faced severe mental health challenges two years ago but is now stable with good support.

“I know what it’s like to be burned out … I couldn’t work, I could barely do anything.”

Humpback mum and calf snared in shark net off Noosa Main Beach. Credit: Geoff Aquino

But she remains committed to advocacy and calls for more humane shark safety measures.

“Shark nets are a death trap for so many innocent marine creatures.

“They don’t just protect swimmers; they harm our ocean life.”

She advocates for smarter, non-lethal technologies like drones and smart drumlines to keep both people and wildlife safe.

When asked by 7NEWS.com.au if she would do it all again after her experience after filming the last whale rescue, Boyd was clear:

“I will absolutely do it again and I don’t regret going.

“I do regret that I didn’t post the video of me.

“All the times that I said I’m not going to endanger the whale, I don’t want the whale to suffer.

“I’m going to go 300 metres. I wish I posted that earlier, but I wasn’t to know that I was about to receive an ocean’s worth of online abuse.”

She added she plans to be better prepared next time, filming with “a clear measuring tool” and even “two phones so I film it all the time, so they believe me.”

“I definitely will do it again.”

Noosa Against Nets continues to run a community fundraiser, offering prizes such as a two-night stay at Stringybark Cottage in Verrierdale, to support its campaign efforts.