Key Takeaways
- A nine‑metre southern right whale (tohorā) was found entangled in a fishing net off Rakiura, New Zealand, dragging buoys and 100 m of rope.
- This marked the first recorded entanglement of a southern right whale in New Zealand waters, prompting a specialized, multi‑day rescue effort.
- DOC’s whale disentanglement expert Zac Penman, who was 800 km away at a surfing competition, led the planning and execution of the operation.
- The team attached a satellite tracker, monitored the whale’s unpredictable movements, and eventually freed it after a cautious, 45‑minute cutting procedure.
- The whale swam away unharmed; the incident underscores the importance of rapid sighting reports, proper fishing practices, and the need for trained personnel only to attempt disentanglement.
Background and Discovery
On Saturday morning, fishers near Rakiura (Stewart Island) spotted a large southern right whale, known locally as tohorā, trailing a massive fishing net. The whale was dragging four buoys and roughly 100 metres of rope behind its tail, a sight that immediately raised concern among local observers. Although the animal did not show signs of imminent peril, it exhibited distress and had a visible wound on its tail that risked infection. The Department of Conservation (DOC) was alerted, initiating what would become the first recorded entanglement of this species in New Zealand waters.
Initial Assessment and Risks
DOC’s Rakiura operations manager Jennifer Ross noted that the whale was not in immediate danger but was vulnerable to secondary complications such as infection from the tail wound and prolonged stress from the drag. Southern right whales are massive, powerful, and highly mobile, making any interaction potentially hazardous for both the animal and rescuers. The presence of the net and rope also threatened to cause further injury if the whale continued to thrash or became snagged on underwater structures.
Expert Mobilization and Planning
Upon receiving the call, Zac Penman, DOC’s specialist in large whale disentanglement, was attending a surfing competition in Kaikoura, some 800 kilometres away. He immediately began formulating a response plan, recognizing the unprecedented nature of the situation. Penman’s expertise, combined with input from southern right whale specialists, shaped a strategy that prioritized safety, minimal stress to the whale, and the use of appropriate gear.
Locating the Whale and Tagging
By Monday, rescuers located the whale where a cod pot at the end of the rope had snagged on rocks, effectively tethering the animal to a fixed point. The team attached a satellite tracking buoy to the rope to monitor the whale’s movements while they deliberated on the best disentanglement approach. This real‑time data proved crucial, especially when the tracker’s signal later appeared erratic, raising concerns about equipment failure.
Challenges of Disentangling Southern Right Whales
Jennifer Ross emphasized that tohorā are among the most difficult whale species to free. Their immense size, extraordinary strength, and remarkable agility—capable of rapid direction changes, 180‑degree rolls, and even swimming backwards—make them highly unpredictable. These traits increase the risk to rescuers, as a sudden movement can jeopardize both the whale and the team. Consequently, any disentanglement attempt must be executed with extreme caution and specialized training.
Unexpected Movements and Tracking Issues
During the night of Monday, the satellite tracker indicated the whale was drifting north toward the port of Bluff. However, the team questioned whether the buoy had detached and was merely being pushed by tidal currents. Overnight, the whale managed to break free from the cod pot, swimming approximately 40 kilometres from Rakiura back to Bluff. This unexpected relocation forced the rescuers to adapt quickly, highlighting the fluid nature of marine rescue operations.
Rescue Team Deployment and Approach
On Tuesday morning, the disentanglement crew arrived at the Bluff ferry terminal and requested a brief detour from the ferry captain to the tracker’s last known position. The captain’s cooperation allowed the team to obtain visual confirmation of the whale’s location, saving valuable time. Approaching by boat, the rescuers moved slowly and deliberately, aware that any sudden action could provoke the whale.
The Disentanglement Procedure
When the team reached the whale, they carefully pulled themselves up the rope toward the animal. Upon sensing the rescuers, the whale emitted a powerful blow—a “trumpet”—that resonated through the boat, underscoring its sheer size. Penman described the sensation as feeling the whale’s presence in his bones, a reminder of the animal’s magnitude, comparable to four or five elephants. The whale turned its large red eye toward the boat, an encounter Penman called “incredible” and humbling. Over the next 45 minutes, the team methodically cut away the netting and rope, taking care not to exacerbate the tail wound or cause additional stress.
Emotional Impact and Observations
Throughout the operation, the rescuers experienced a blend of awe and adrenaline. Penman reflected on the privilege of being near such a majestic creature, noting the profound sense of smallness when gazing into the whale’s eye. The successful cut elicited genuine elation; the team returned to their vessel feeling triumphant and grateful for the outcome. After the whale swam off into the sunset, the crew celebrated with a well‑deserved beer at a local pub, a modest ritual marking a significant conservation victory.
Aftermath, Release, and Celebration
Once freed, the whale resumed its natural behaviour, disappearing into the open ocean without apparent injury. The release was hailed as an excellent outcome by DOC, emphasizing that each individual in the tohorā population is vital to the species’ recovery. Historically driven to near extinction by whaling, southern right whales have begun to rebound, and successful rescues like this one contribute to the broader conservation narrative.
Population Context and Conservation Significance
New Zealand waters are estimated to host between 1,000 and 5,000 southern right whales, a taonga (sacred) species for Ngāi Tahu, the South Island’s largest iwi. The species suffered drastic population losses during the whaling era but has shown signs of recovery in recent decades. Each rescued whale represents a tangible step toward preserving this culturally and ecologically important marine mammal.
Lessons for Fishers and Safety Advisory
Jennifer Ross used the incident to remind fishers to limit the length of line they deploy, especially during peak migration periods when whales are more likely to encounter fishing gear. She stressed that whale disentanglement is extremely hazardous and should never be attempted by untrained individuals. Prompt reporting of sightings, however, enables qualified teams to intervene swiftly, increasing the chances of a successful rescue. The operation underscored the collaborative responsibility of fishers, authorities, and the public in safeguarding marine wildlife.