Whale and Dolphin Entanglements Cause Prolonged Suffering and Death

Entanglement in marine debris causes prolonged suffering and often leads to death for whales and dolphins, even after successful disentanglement. A recent study details the post-mortem examination of a bottlenose dolphin that died following entanglement. The dolphin, which had been successfully disentangled by a trained team, was found severely emaciated with deep chronic cuts and widespread skin disease.

Further tests revealed serious secondary infections, including septicemia, or blood poisoning, throughout multiple organs. These findings highlight the severe and often hidden welfare burden of entanglement. Even when marine mammals are freed, stress, impaired feeding, chronic pain, and severe infection can lead to irreversible damage.

Globally, an estimated 300,000 whales, dolphins, and porpoises die each year from entanglement or incidental capture. Entanglements involve various types of marine debris, such as gillnets, trawl nets, longlines, pot ropes, and shark nets. The International Whaling Commission (IWC) leads a global initiative to address this issue, developing best practices and training rescue teams.

While some animals drown quickly, others endure weeks or months of suffering as ropes cut into their flesh, impair movement, reduce feeding efficiency, and cause infections. The longer marine gear remains attached, the greater the likelihood of irreversible injury and declining survival. Rapid and specialized disentanglement responses are crucial to improve outcomes.

However, many entanglements occur offshore and go unwitnessed. Animals can travel hundreds or thousands of kilometers while entangled. Weather, sea conditions, and safety constraints often prevent immediate intervention. This means confirmed entanglements represent only a small fraction of the true number occurring at sea.

Scientists emphasize that success should not solely be measured by an animal swimming away after release. It should also consider long-term recovery, duration of suffering, severity of injury, and realistic survival outcomes. The recent study underscores that rescue involves ensuring full recovery, not just immediate release from entanglement.