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Spain completes its first large whale entanglement response workshop

A successful conclusion is reported for the first large whale entanglement response workshop held in Spain. The two-day workshop took place in Malaga in June, supported by experts from the IWC and the Mexican Whale Disentanglement Network (RABEN), who provided training and equipment.

The two-day event began with classroom sessions, followed by training in the effective use of tools and techniques which were then practiced through simulated exercises conducted both on land and at sea.

As ever, the emphasis throughout these exercises was on human safety. There are very real risks involved in responding to an entangled whale. Teams must work to disentangle rope, net and other bindings from large and often distressed animals whilst at sea and also managing a boat, the ocean swell and weather conditions. These risks are minimised with clear, well-practiced safety protocols and informed decision-making.

37 trainees attended the in-class session and 22 were also able to participate in the session at sea. The group included participants from different regions of Spain, and government representatives, as well as stranding experts. Among the participants were marine environmental agents of the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO) who also organised and funded the workshop. Members of the Civil Guard, Fire Service, Nature Protection Service, Maritime Rescue and Environment and Water Agency, as well as several academic and scientific institutions also attended.

The workshop included a tailored, regional perspective was provided with local expertise of representatives of Seashore Environment and Fauna and MITECO.

 

Spain joins a growing number of European countries which have undertaken  entanglement response training, including France, Italy and the United Kingdom.  This training programme has now delivered training to 1550 participants from 36 countries.  Whales migrate without regard for geographical boundaries and the IWC and its partners are building a Global Whale Entanglement Response network, so that as much coastline as possible is equipped with teams ready to respond to entanglement reports in a manner that prioritises human safety and welfare of the whales.

 

Read more about the entanglement and the IWC's capacity building programme here