Australian experts are preparing to rescue this humpback whale, believed to be caught in a fishing line.  
          
The whale appeared to be in distress – unable, or unwilling, to submerge and at times swimming sideways.
           
Around 3,000 humpback whales migrate from the Antarctic to Australia to mate in warmer waters.             
Wildlife experts are sure to face a difficult task.  
 
[Shona Lorigan, ORRCA Spokeswoman]:
"It's a huge animal that is stressed and probably in pain. So, it's quite a complex procedure."  
          
Rescuers will use special cutting tools allowing them to keep a safe distance from the whale.
            
2009 saw a 50% increase of these humpbacks becoming caught in fishing lines.
            
[Shona Lorigan, ORRCA Spokeswoman]:     
"We could have a chance of more entanglements on the way down again as well. So, really the season for this has just started."          

The rescue is set for first light on Monday.