There have been two whale entanglements reported off of Kauai this year. In both cases the animals could not be found despite extensive searches with boats and helicopters. Not being able to find reported animals is a major problem because they can swim large distances in the two-hour period it takes the response team to arrive.

Entanglement is a major problem for whales and can affect mobility, migration, feeding and cause infection and drowning, stated Jean Souza of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.

The capability to respond to marine mammal entanglement has existed in Hawaii for one and a half years and on Kauai for one year. According to Souza, when a report is received the Department of Boating and Recreation is contacted because they have a boat available that is appropriate for approaching whales. Two department employees, Vaughan Tyndzik and Manny Andrade, are trained to respond along with Souza.

The Sanctuary hopes to get their own soft hulled zodiac soon, said Souza. Both Souza and Boating and Recreation have tool kits ready that contain safety equipment for the responders, radios, a VHF transmitter for tracking whales, specially designed knives, and grappling hooks. The tools are designed to attach to the end of a fifteen foot pole so that the responders can remain at a safe distance from the animal and avoid entering the water, which is very dangerous.

Once the team locates the animal and assesses its condition, a transmitter buoy is attached to the debris entangling the animal. It is important not to try to remove debris from an animal because it gives the responders less material to attach to. The transmitter allows the rescuers time to plan a safe rescue and also allows them to wait for daylight or better weather conditions without losing track of the animal.

Science and Whale Rescue Coordinator, David Mottila, flies over from Maui to head the team that actually cuts of the rope and other debris.

Kegging is a technique that Mottila uses to subdue a whale so that it can be safely approached. Kegging involves attaching large buoys to the debris and letting the whale drag them until the whale is too tired to keep swimming away.

It must be stressed that immediate action is not necessary. Please call 1-888-256-9840 rather than risking your life.

More information call be found at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.