A juvenile humpback whale was rescued on Wednesday morning after being discovered caught in a fishing net in Ubatuba, located on the North Coast of São Paulo. The Instituto Argonauta, which conducted the rescue, had been monitoring the whale due to its weakened state, characterized by poor movement, a thin body, limited reactions, and prolonged presence in shallow coastal waters. The whale was found with fishing gear caught around its mouth, indicating it had been entangled in the net.

The rescue team returned to the area to conduct a thorough evaluation, confirming the entanglement was approximately two meters long and extended from the whale's mouth to its left pectoral fin. Based on behavioral analysis and ensuring the safety of the operation, the technicians planned the rescue, which involved carefully removing the fishing gear to free the whale. This incident highlights issues regarding marine life and fishing practices, calling attention to the need for better management of fishing gear in coastal areas to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Such rescues are crucial for the conservation of marine species like the humpback whale, which have been endangered due to various human activities. This case serves as a reminder of the impact of human actions on oceanic life and reinforces the importance of protecting these majestic creatures by ensuring their habitats remain free from harmful debris and entanglements.