Entanglement in lost or active fishing gear is a leading cause of serious injury and death for whales worldwide, causing suffering that can last months before death or rescue.
Whale entanglement is a prolonged welfare catastrophe for affected individuals. Ropes wrap around flippers, jaws, and flukes, cutting progressively deeper as the animal struggles or grows over months. Whales caught in heavy gear are dragged off course, exhausted, and unable to feed properly. Post-mortem examinations of entangled whales reveal extensive chronic injuries including deep rope furrows, amputated appendages, and severe emaciation indicating prolonged suffering. Unlike many welfare issues, entanglement is often a slow death - documented cases show whales carrying gear for over a year before death or rescue.