Vancouver Island humpback calf rescued from fishing gear entanglement

A humpback whale calf was successfully rescued after being found tangled in fishing gear near the south coast of Vancouver Island on August 6. The calf, traveling with its mother known as Tempest, was first spotted by a captain from Eagle Wing Tours.

Following the report, the whale watching company monitored the whales at a distance to assist rescue efforts. A multi-agency response involving Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Cetus Research & Conservation Society, and NOAA Fisheries West Coast worked to disentangle the calf. The operation continued late into the evening as the whales moved between Canadian and U.S. waters until the gear was removed.

Entanglement in fishing gear remains a significant global threat to humpback whales. The Eagle Wing Tours captain noted that the vessel also removed derelict fishing gear from the water shortly before the sighting.