Respond
Our primary goal is to respond swiftly and efficiently to reports of whale entanglements. Understanding that each situation is unique, our trained teams are prepared to assess and document the entanglement carefully. By evaluating the condition of the whale and the nature of the entangling material, we can make informed decisions on the best course of action to alleviate the whale's distress. Our response efforts are part of a coordinated approach led by NOAA Fisheries and the National Large Whale Entanglement Response Network, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of safety for both the responders and the whales.
Previous responses
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Entangled/ Anchored Gray Whale
Date: 4/9/25
NOAA permit #MMHSRP #24359
Location: Palos Verdes, CA
EWROC was requested by NOAA to provide mutual aid to the Los Angeles whale entanglement team from the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro, CA. The response was for a young entangled Gray whale that was anchored in place near Palos Verdes, CA by several different types of commercial fishing gear. The team was first able to cut the whale free from the anchoring gear, and then successfully remove almost all of the remaining entanglement.
In the photo, EWROC team member Bill Lackey uses a grapple to attach a satellite tag to the anchoring line before it was cut to free the whale.
See video below for a video from Ocean Defenders Alliance showing how they retrieved the gear remaining on the ocean floor.
Photo credit: NOAA
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Entangled Humpback Whale
Date: 12/8/24 & 12/9/24
Location: Newport/Dana Point
EWROC was out on that whale for two days (12/8 and 12/9) to document the entanglement and behavior with photos and drones, but it was decided the whale appeared to be healthy (except for the wrap around the right fluke causing a serious injury) and too dangerous to approach to affect the type of cut needed by the whale's eye to be effective. NOAA is continuing to monitor the whale.
Photo credit: Delaney Trowbridge (Newport Coastal Adventures)
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Entangled Humpback Whale
Date: 7/13/24 - 7/19/24
NOAA permit #MMHSRP 24359
Location: Newport/Dana Point
Removed gear from entangled humpback whale. EWROC was a part of the team that responded under the guidance of NOAA.
From left to right: Bill Lackey, Lindsey Van Schoick, Wendy Leeds (EWROC Co-founders), Kelly Hawkins (PMMC), Bong Jeon (EWROC Drone Operator).
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Entangled Gray Whale
Date: 3/22/24
NOAA permit: #MMHSRP 24359
Location: North Laguna Beach
Entangled whale off North Laguna. EWROC was a part of the team that responded under the guidance of NOAA. The team placed a satellite tag but unable to remove any additional gear because the whale was too aggressive.
Photo credit: Wendy Leeds (EWROC Co-founder)
Ocean Defenders Alliance is an all-volunteer team of experienced scuba divers who remove abandoned fishing nets, traps, lines, plastic, and other man-made debris threatening ocean wildlife and habitats. This team helped recover the rest of the gear that was cut away from the anchored whale off Palos Verdes on April 9th. Check out their exciting video!
HAPPYWHALE
Happywhale’s mission is to support a healthy ocean through an innovative platform that uses citizen science to track and study marine mammals. By analyzing photos, they identify individual whales using unique markings and patterns, creating a database that helps researchers monitor their movements and health. It’s a collaborative effort that combines technology, science, and public engagement, allowing anyone to contribute to marine conservation while learning more about these fascinating creatures. Check out their project, maybe you can submit your own photo and track a whale you’ve seen!
Photos & Video Gallery
NOAA Large Whale Entanglement Response Network.
The National Large Whale Entanglement Network mounts response operations to remove entangling gear, provide relief to individually entangled animals, and gain important information for marine mammal conservation and recovery.