Stay informed
Make an impact

Whale Entanglement Response Program

On the US West Coast Report an entangled whale to 877-767-9425 or hail the US Coast Guard on Channel 16

Click here to learn how to safety stand-by and report entangled whales throughout North America

Partnership for West Coast Whale Entanglement Action. Where urgent response meets long-term conservation
Our story

Explore how Cascadia’s long-term research & responses are helping to reduce entanglement risk

Learn how you can help us respond to whales in need

Support us

Read about our recent work

Learn more
Our Mission: To protect and conserve large whale populations along the U.S. West Coast by leading life-saving entanglement response efforts, conducting targeted research to identify and reduce entanglement risks, and preventing future incidents through research-driven solutions and strategic collaboration with management partners.
Creating a safer ocean for whales - starting with the ones who need us most
The program is built on the trifecta of RESPONSE, RESEARCH, and TRAINING. The integrated approach combines real-time responses to whale entanglements with the targeted research needed to develop effective, long-term prevention strategies. We believe this is essential to both improving animal welfare on an individual level and safeguarding the broader recovery of large whale populations.
Response Rapid responses alleviates suffering, prevents further injury or starvation, and gives entangled whales a second chance at survival. Each response provides critical data to uncover the causes of entanglements, track emerging threats, and generate science-based insights that inform more effective management and policy decisions.
Research We conduct targeted research to better understand gear - whale conflict and collaborate with fishers, resource managers, Tribal governments, and environmental organizations to reduce entanglement risk. By combining data from entanglement responses with Cascadia’s long-term population studies, we evaluate the real-world effectiveness of gear modifications and policy interventions - ensuring that conservation efforts are grounded in science and guided by measurable outcomes. 
Training We are helping to maintain a robust, coastwide network of trained responders and continuously investing in their capacity – building a fast, coordinated, and sustainable response system for years to come.
Cascadia's Response Team. Our team is composed of trained responders with NOAA authorization to disentangle large whales. Our staff ranges from well seasoned Level 3, 4, & 5 responders to newer Level 2 members, producing successful responses now and in the future.

Recent responses and updates:

Watch the video and read more about Cascadia’s response to an entangled humpback whale off Westport, Washington [Aug 2026]

In July, Cascadia worked with Oregon State University and Oregon Coast Aquarium to respond to an entangled whale off Newport, OR. Click on the image to read NOAA’s press release about the event [July 2026]

Read about our continued progress, from Southern California to Washington State, during the second year of the Partnership for West Coast Whale Entanglement Action [May 2026]

Click on the image to read how 140 feet of fishing gear was removed from a humpback whale in the Strait of Juan de Fuca [Nov 2025]

Learn more about Cascadia’s second successful disentanglement in just over a month in the Salish Sea. Unfortunately for the whale, it was also its second successful disentanglement in just over a month [Aug 2025]

Read more about our response with The Whale Museum to free entangled humpback whale in the Salish Sea [July 2025]

Explore all of our the accomplishments during the first year of the Partnership for West Coast Whale Entanglement Action [June 2025]

Watch a news clip about our team working with partners to free an entangled humpback whale in Monterey Bay [March 2025]

Video from one of our 2025 response in Washington State:

A huge thank you to our funding sources:

External Resources:

All response activities are conducted by authorized responders under NOAA permit #24359, following international and national safety standards that prohibit entering the water and prioritize the safety of both whale and crew.