|
|
Releasing entrapped whales in Newfoundland and Labrador
When a whale first becomes entrapped it typically is wild as it tries to free itself. The faster the whale is released, the less damage to gear and the animal. Fishermen should call toll-free 1-888-895-3003 for 24-hour onsite advice or assistance from the Whale Release and Stranding group.
It often takes long hours of hard work to release the animals. Often multiple ropes wrap around the tail and fins and sometimes the whole body causing a great strain on the ropes and nets. Many times ropes net through the mouth.
Fishermen in Newfoundland and Labrador are key players in catching the animals but also are vital in helping release entrapped whales. Many fishermen over the past 25 years have been trained in releasing whales.
This rope was wrapped around the tail of a 50-ft. humpback caught in crab fishing gear. The iron-catching grapnel was attached to the rope and three rope pieces bridled the animal through its mouth and were also attached to the rope on its tail. After eight hours work releasing all rope, the animal was set free.
Many fishermen release entrapped whales, however, it is important to seek advice before attempting to release any whale on your own. A whale released with ropes or netting still attached is more likely to become entrapped again. The majority of entrapped whales have ropes through their mouths that can not be seen from the surface since the whale's mouth is so far below the surface. By cutting the standing rope holding the animal you not only lose the end of the fishing gear, you may be doing more damage to the animal by letting it go snared up. It is important for the general public to not attempt to release any entrapped whales but to call the toll-free number.
This humpback was entrapped in fishing gear in Whales Gulch, Newfoundland. It was standing on its head smashing its tail on the water. The whale was freed. Note the large tail with its coloration details. Humpbacks are identified by the coloration and distinctive scars or shapes of the tail.
Releasing a whale that towed fishing gear from Laurentian Channel to Bonavista (see Bonavista Bay Release Story).
This entrapped humpback had rope over its back. After many hours it was freed.
This 50-ft. humpback died entrapped in gear.
This humpback died entrapped in fishing gear, and was towed to an isolated area.
Dead whales drift up to 2 months because their tails and large fins act as a keel in the current. When found they are towed ashore and placed in isolated areas to prevent the smell from invading communities and to keep them from causing accidents to small boats.
If you have broadband (fast Internet connection), you may view these 15-second videos of humpback whale releases on the Newfoundland & Labrador Web site.
Hear an entrapped whale moaning in this RealPlayer 14-second video.
See also Newfoundland Inshore Fishing Gear
Return to Home Page
Web Site Developer Susan Guerrero
|
|
