Along South Africa’s coastline, where migrating whales pass close to shore each year, a specialised group of marine conservationists is sharpening the skills needed to respond when these giants of the ocean become trapped in fishing gear.
A team from Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust recently completed an intensive two-day whale disentanglement training course, equipping them with the expertise required to assist whales caught in ropes, nets and trap lines. The training was led by veteran marine specialist Mike Meyer from the South African Whale Disentanglement Network.
Picture: Marine Dynamics/Supplied
The programme focused on one of the most dangerous marine rescue operations, freeing massive whales from fishing gear while ensuring the safety of those attempting the rescue.
A growing challenge along the coast
Whale entanglement remains a serious global conservation concern. Across the world, researchers estimate that around 386,000 whales, dolphins and porpoises die each year after becoming entangled in fishing gear.
Along South Africa’s shores, these incidents have increased over the past few decades, as conservationists attribute the trend largely to the recovery of whale populations combined with continued fishing activity in coastal waters.
The Western Cape has seen its share of these encounters, as research covering the period between 1999 and 2019 documented 82 entanglement cases involving southern right whales, including three confirmed deaths.
Most occurred between July and November when the species gathers in near-shore nursery areas to calve, as highlighted by Marine Dynamics.
Further studies into South Africa’s trap fisheries found that 68% of recorded whale entanglements were linked to the West Coast rock lobster fishery, with the majority happening in the most heavily fished zones.
Humpback whales were involved in the majority of cases, accounting for 64% of incidents, followed by southern right whales at 25% and Bryde’s whales at 11%.
The timing of these incidents often coincides with migration patterns, as humpback whales are most vulnerable between January and March when they gather in feeding groups, while southern right whales face the highest risk between July and November during their calving season.
Vertical ropes running from traps on the seabed to surface buoys are particularly hazardous. When whales pass through these areas, the ropes can wrap around their tails, fins or mouths.
Entangled whales may drag heavy fishing gear for months, suffer deep rope wounds or struggle to feed properly. Some drown if they cannot reach the surface to breathe. Others eventually die from infection, starvation or exhaustion.
Founder of Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, Wilfred Chivell, said the decision to prioritise training comes from years of witnessing the effects of these incidents along the Western Cape coastline.
‘I have been involved in several of these terrible incidents over the years between Pearly Beach and Hermanus,’ Chivell said.
‘It is truly devastating to see what we as humans do to these animals. Watching a whale struggling with ropes cutting into its body is something you never forget. I wanted to make sure that both new and long-standing team members receive proper training, or refresher training, so that we can continue assisting these whales in need.’
Chivell and his son have been involved in whale disentanglement work for roughly 25 years, contributing to rescue efforts along the southern Cape coast.
During the two-day course, participants were trained in internationally recognised best-practice techniques for assisting large marine animals in distress.
The training included safety protocols, rescue planning and the specialised methods used to cut entangling gear from whales while minimising risk to both the animal and the rescue teams.
Those who completed the training include Dr Loraine Shuttleworth, Dickie Chivell, Hendrik Odendaal, Kira Matiwane, Francois Swart, Benz Nomandela and Wiehann Myburg.
When required, the team will work alongside partners such as the National Sea Rescue Institute and the South African Whale Disentanglement Network to respond to emergencies along the coastline.
Training leader Mike Meyer was also recognised for sharing knowledge developed through decades of hands-on experience in marine rescue operations.
His guidance, the organisations said, highlighted the delicate balance between helping a distressed whale and ensuring rescuers do not place themselves in danger.
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Picture: Supplied
