Partnering to protect whales in Newfoundland and Labrador


See rescue details here

Throughout the years, fishermen have seen whales entrapped and released in every fishing community in Newfoundland and Labrador. Many have released whales themselves and in most entrapments fishermen are in the release boat with the release team taking gear off the animal. The entrapment problem is a difficult and frustrating one for the fishermen who unintentionally catch whales, but it is a problem that is expected in the competition for food by both parties because whales migrate seasonly to the world's 10th largest island Newfoundland and to Labrador for the high quantities of marine resources.

See Newfoundland whale-fishing gear rescue story July 2008

See rare narwhal whale spotted in June 2003

A program to release entrapped whales, basking sharks and leatherback turtles put in place 25 years ago by Dr. Jon Lien of Memorial University of Newfoundland Whale Research Group has saved fishermen's gear and resulted in reducing fishing downtime.

Now the program continues as the Whale Release & Stranding group, operated by Wayne Ledwell and Julie Huntington.

See also Leatherback Turtle Rescue information

See also Newfoundland and Labrador inshore fishing gear

Be sure to wear your wet weather gear while viewing this site. You may be subjected to sea-spray or rain.

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Web Site Developer Susan Guerrero