Earlier this month, two trainees from Colombia and Perú became the latest to complete apprenticeships under the Global Whale Entanglement Response Network (GWERN) at the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) in Provincetown. This follows a Perú-hosted GWERN training workshop in May 2025 and previous Peruvian apprenticeships in 2019.
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 organisation of response networks to photo permit schemes and the importance of public awareness.
This year’s apprentices included the Colombian Coordinator for Save the Blue Five Project, German Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and Chelonia Dive Center, Brigada de desenmalles de ballenas, Save the Blue Five project, Perú.