Two Humpbacks freed from fishing nets in Mexico

Humpback whale being released from fishing nets in Mexico

February 2010. What started out as a normal morning of whale watching in Mexico's Bay of Banderas turned into a rescue mission to release two Humpback whales that had become entangled in an illegal fishing net.

A tour boat on the way to Islas Marietas spotted a Humpback whale and her calf appearing to struggle and behave abnormally on the ocean's surface. After approaching the whales cautiously, the boat crew quickly realised that the whales were tangled in a giant fishing net and would need to be rescued.

Marine Animal Rescue
Vallarta Adventures, an eco-tour provider in Puerto Vallarta, heard the radio call about the distressed whales and their team of Marine Animal Rescue staff sprang into action to assist in the rescue of the trapped whales.

En route, the Vallarta Adventure's team met up with the Mexican Navy. Once they reached the distressed whales they were able to asses that the mother was tangled from tip to tail in the illegal fishing net and that her calf was also becoming tangled as it swam closer to its mother.

Difficult and dangerous
With all hands and arms into the water at once, everyone began grabbing the fishing net, ropes and buoys that encompassed the pair. Once the whales started to get untangled from the net, they began to move about which made the effort to free them completely even more difficult and dangerous.

But with persistence and quick action, the offending net was removed from the whales and within an hour, the pair was safe and free.

Vallarta Adventures/Dolphin Adventures is the premier tour provider for Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, offering a variety of eco-tours and excursions as well as providing over 1000 dolphin assistance programs at no charge to special needs children and low income families each year. Additionally, Vallarta Adventures gives back to the community by working alongside with local government agencies in protecting local marine and animal wildlife, Humpback Whale rescue, conservation and sustainable development of the environment, education and various charities that benefit the local children and families.