Our rescue work

We provide marine animal rescue groups with much-needed resources, enabling them to conduct further training and rescue as many entangled animals as possible

Our rescue work

As long as ghost gear remains a problem in our oceans, marine animals such as seals, whales, turtles and birds will become entangled.

The lucky ones may get rescued, but sadly while there are many marine animal rescue organisations around the world, many of these are under-resourced and under-funded and this limits the number of animals they can help.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters we are helping rescue groups to obtain the equipment and training they need to rescue as many entangled animals as safely and effectively as possible.

Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME)

Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) provide response, assistance and care to over 300 seals, turtles and whales each year in the southern and mid-coast areas of Maine, U.S.

In 2015 we provided a grant to MMoME so buy equipment for a new rehabilitation facility and additional resources so that they can operate on a daily basis. MMoME is now better equipped to rescue entangled marine animals and ensure they receive the best possible care, and wherever possible, rehabilitation back into the wild.

The new facility is also serving as a training site for staff and a local network of volunteers, offering general marine mammal education and providing them with skills in animal rescue and handling.

Global Whale Entanglement Response Network

The entanglement of whales in fishing gear is a significant issue around the world. Rescuing these large, wild and injured animals at sea can be difficult and dangerous.

The International Whaling Commission (IWC) has been working with a group of international experts to build a global network of professionally trained and equipped entanglement responders.

We've supported this network by funding the training of local teams and individuals to rescue whales from entanglement in Ecuador, Tonga, the Dominican Republic, Mexico and Canada. We have also provided disentanglement equipment kits to some of these teams.

If you find an entangled animal, please contact your nearest World Animal Protection office, or your local coastal authority, so you can be put in touch with a nearby rescue group.