Two trainees from Panamá and Chile became the latest to complete apprenticeships under the Global Whale Entanglement Response Network (GWERN) and the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS). GWERN was launched by the International Whaling Commission to help expand capacity to respond to entangled whales globally. This most recent apprenticeship follows a series of trainings held in each of those countries over the last several years as they seek to expand their capacity to respond to entangled whales.
Over the last two weeks, the apprentices worked alongside the Marine Animal Entanglement Response team to gain firsthand experience with entangled whales, including a response to an entangled humpback whale calf on August 20.
“Having the opportunity to learn directly from an experienced team and participate in a response has strengthened my knowledge, skills and confidence,” said Karen Dominguez, biologist with the Ministry of Environment of Panamá. Andrés Matus, veterinarian with the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service of Chile said that this was part of a “continuing collaboration and exchange between our teams, with the shared goals of protecting whales and responding as safely as possible.”
The apprenticeship scheme is one component of a successful and long-running partnership between the IWC and CCS. Established in 2011, this capacity-building partnership combines the international reach of the IWC with CCS’ expertise as globally respected pioneers of entanglement response techniques and practices.
Disentangling whales is extremely challenging. It often involves complex entanglement in fishing lines and large animals in distress. Boat handling, navigation, and communication skills, as well as an understanding of sea and weather conditions and navigation, are required to allow for informed decision-making.
GWERN has delivered entanglement response training to more than 1300 participants from over 40 countries. The apprenticeships offer more advanced training, designed for people leading response teams and networks.
As well as in-depth practical training on the water, apprenticeships cover a diverse range of classroom topics, from effective organization of response networks, documentation for entanglement prevention and the importance of public awareness.
Support came from the IWC, Save the Blue Five, CCS and the countries of Chile and Panamá.