Large whale entanglement in fishing ropes and nets is a major welfare crisis causing prolonged suffering, drowning, and chronic injury in multiple threatened species.
Whale entanglement represents one of the most prolonged and severe welfare harms inflicted by human activities on wild animals. Whales may drag heavy gear for weeks or months before death, suffering continuous physical and energetic stress. The technology exists to dramatically reduce entanglement through ropeless gear and sinking groundlines, but regulatory mandates and economic transition support are needed to drive widespread adoption.