Rescuers Free Humpback Whales Caught in Fishing Gear in Hawaii

These humpback whales have been ensnared by discarded gear. In the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, brave rescuers risk their lives to keep the 12,000 whales living in the sanctuary safe. The sanctuary was established in 1992 to protect humpback whales in their Hawaiian habitat.

Since 2002, sanctuary staff have removed more than 11,000 feet of nets, debris, scientific apparatus, and fishing line. The rescue team use a special tool called a flying knife, which is shaped like a hook and has a dull outer edge so as not to harm the entangled whales. They have already rescued 27 humpbacks from entanglement.