Dolphin, Porpoise, and Small Toothed Whale Entanglement Response
NOAA Fisheries authorizes emergency response to dolphins, porpoises, and small toothed whales with life-threatening entanglements.
Dolphins, porpoises, and small toothed whales—a group of marine mammals called small cetaceans—can become entangled in active or derelict fishing gear, or marine debris (plastic packing bands, large rubber bands from pot fisheries, garbage, etc.), as well as ingest fishing gear and marine debris, causing injury and death. Responding to entangled small cetaceans is often difficult due to their ability to quickly dive and swim away upon approach and the challenges associated with relocating specific entangled individuals. While they are not the size of large whales, small cetaceans are fast and powerful, and require experienced response teams to safely assess the situation and remove entangling gear, when warranted and feasible.
NOAA Fisheries-Authorized Responders
Members of the National Marine Mammal Stranding Network and other trained individuals conduct small cetacean entanglement responses primarily in NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Region (North Carolina through Texas and the Caribbean).
All small cetaceans in the United States are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and a few species are listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
Only experienced responders who have been authorized by NOAA Fisheries and who have the appropriate training, experience, and equipment should attempt small cetacean entanglement response. Response efforts may also rely on state and federal agencies (including law enforcement agencies and the United States Coast Guard), non-governmental organizations, fishermen, and other groups for assistance.
Image
Entanglement Response
Most small cetacean entanglement responses involve capturing the animal so that the entanglement can be carefully and completely removed. Capturing small cetaceans can be dangerous for both the responders and the animal.
Response to an entangled small cetacean is only attempted if the entanglement is thought to be causing, or has the potential to cause, a life-threatening injury. NOAA Fisheries consults with veterinarians, experienced responders, and biologists to determine if an entanglement is life-threatening. This is achieved through assessment of the animal’s behavior and body condition in the field, as well as close review of photos and/or videos. If the entanglement is determined to be life-threatening, the most appropriate method of intervention is discussed.
Remote disentanglement may be attempted from a boat (by using knives on long poles), but most interventions involve capture and hands-on disentanglement techniques. When the animal is safely in hand, veterinary staff monitor the immediate condition of the animal to ensure its well-being, conduct a medical assessment, and determine how to best treat the entanglement. When feasible, the animal is tagged prior to release to monitor the animal’s behavior post-entanglement.
If intervention is not an immediate option, the animal may be monitored to determine whether an intervention may be possible in the future (e.g., the animal moves to a more suitable area to conduct a rescue, weather improves, etc.).
Image
What Can You Do?
If you come across an entangled dolphin or porpoise, please report it immediately, and remain at least 50 yards (150 feet) away from the animal. The Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program relies on reports by the public to conduct its vital work to save animals in distress and understand causes of injuries and mortalities.
Only experienced responders who have been authorized by NOAA Fisheries and who have the appropriate training, experience, equipment, and support should attempt marine mammal entanglement response.
Learn more about what to do if you see an entangled marine mammal >