A Brave Rescue Team Frees an Entangled Humpback Whale

Whales continually inspire us with their immense size, complex social structures, and vital role in marine ecosystems. Unfortunately, these gentle giants face many threats today, most of which are caused by humans. One of the biggest dangers comes from discarded fishing gear and marine debris. When fishing lines, nets, and traps are lost or abandoned, they can entangle whales and lead to slow and painful deaths. Thankfully, brave rescuers like those in this YouTube video risk their own safety to free animals like humpback whales that become entangled in ropes and other fishing gear.

The Hidden Dangers of Ghost Fishing Gear

“Ghost fishing” or “ghost gear” is a term for fishing gear that has been abandoned or lost in the ocean. It’s called “ghost fishing” because even though no one is actively using the gear, it continues to trap and entangle marine life, as if an invisible force operates it.

The consequences of ghost gear can be absolutely devastating. For example, one study revealed that lost or abandoned crab pots in Chesapeake Bay killed 3.3 million blue crabs and over 40 species of fish. This not only harms marine life but also impacts the crab and fish harvesting industries, leading to economic losses.

A Race Against Time

The survival time for an entangled whale can vary greatly, ranging from a few hours to several years. This depends on the location and severity of the entanglement. Whales cannot survive long if the gear prevents them from feeding or breathing, or if it causes serious physical injuries. Such situations require immediate rescue.

However, if the entanglement does not immediately affect vital functions like swimming, breathing, or feeding, the whale might have more time. Even so, the whale will still experience chronic stress and exhaustion from having to expend extra energy due to the entanglement. Additionally, there is also a high risk of long-term injuries and starvation.

Trained and authorized disentanglement teams, such as the one in the YouTube video, work hard to respond as quickly as possible, but a single rescue can potentially take several hours. The process of disentangling a whale is precise and dangerous, so it cannot be rushed.

In some cases, teams may even track the whale with satellite tags and attempt to remove the gear over days, weeks, or even months. This may occur if conditions are unsafe (such as during storms or rough waves), if there are multiple entanglements, or if the whale is highly agitated.

Approaching an Entangled Giant

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries collaborates with a national network of groups to assist with the rescue of animals from life-threatening entanglements. To monitor the whale’s recovery, responders often use satellite transmitters to track it after its rescue. This is particularly useful in situations where it is not possible to remove all the gear during the initial attempt.

Rescuing an entangled whale presents unique risks to both the animal and the humans involved. Rescuers undergo thorough training in specific safety protocols. They use special techniques for disentangling whales and must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

The Devastating Impact of Whale Entanglement

When a whale gets tangled in fishing gear, it often tries to break free by swimming quickly and thrashing with sudden, erratic movements. It may also flail or roll its body at the water’s surface, or attempt to dive deeper to escape. All of these desperate tactics are extremely exhausting and drain much of the whale’s energy. As seen in the YouTube video, other whales may attempt to help the entangled whale, and the commotion can attract additional wildlife to the scene.

Under this immense stress, a whale’s breathing rate increases, and its breaths can become shallower. Whales that have struggled for a while may become visibly weak and lethargic. The drag from the gear can also make feeding difficult, causing the animals to become thin and emaciated. They might swim very slowly or appear unresponsive. If the gear is severely tangled or especially large, the whale may be confined to a small area or unable to move at all.

The fishing gear itself often digs into the whale’s skin and blubber, causing severe lacerations and infections. In extreme cases, this can even result in the loss or amputation of fins.

When a whale is successfully freed from fishing gear, it may swim away with a burst of energy and confidence now that it is no longer restrained. In some cases, a whale may even breach, tail-slap, or fin-slap the water. While these behaviors can sometimes indicate stress, they may also serve as a way to release tension after their ordeal.

Species Prone to Entanglement

According to the International Whaling Commission (IWC), more than 300,000 whales and dolphins are estimated to die each year due to entanglement in fishing gear and bycatch (the accidental capture of non-target species). The risk is higher for certain species because of their size, body shape, behaviors, and migration patterns.

Humpback whales are a prime example of one of these more vulnerable species due to their long fins. In addition, they frequently swim near coastlines where fishing gear is more common.

The National Marine Mammal Entanglement Response Networks receive the most reports of entangled animals involving the following species:

• Large whales
• Humpback whales
• North Atlantic right whales
• Gray whales
• Minke whales
• Killer whales (orca)

Beyond whales, marine debris and entangled fishing gear harm many other marine animals, including seals, sea lions, sea turtles, and sirenians like dugongs and manatees.

Rescue Networks Making a Difference

While there are still considerable challenges to overcome, various rescue networks are actively working to prevent marine animal entanglements and clean up discarded fishing gear in our oceans. NOAA Fisheries, for example, maintains a national network and regional teams across the United States, specially trained to respond to entangled marine animals. NOAA also collects crucial data to develop more effective conservation strategies, clean up existing marine debris, and prevent future entanglement.

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) operates a global network of professionally trained responders. It also plays a vital role in sharing expertise and resources with other organizations and communities worldwide. In addition, the Global Whale Entanglement Response Network (GWERN) is dedicated to reducing human impacts on whales globally, including entanglements. They also provide essential training workshops for disentanglement efforts.

How You Can Help Whales

Everyone can help protect marine life from entanglements. When you’re out on the water, whether you’re fishing, boating, water skiing, or swimming, remember not to leave anything behind, especially fishing gear and trash.

You can also help by participating in clean-up efforts, joining community groups, or simply picking up trash as you walk along the beach. Every small action helps create a cleaner and safer ocean for whales and other marine animals.

If you ever see an animal trapped by ghost gear, do not attempt to rescue it yourself. This is extremely dangerous and could injure both you and the animal. Instead, report it immediately to NOAA’s hotline. If you are on a boat, you can also contact the U.S. Coast Guard.

If you can, get pictures or videos of the animal from a safe distance on your phone, and share as much information as you can about the animal and its location. However, whether you are on the beach or in a boat, keep at least 100 yards between yourself and the animal. If possible, keep an eye on the animal until rescuers arrive.