Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – A single entangled humpback whale nearly twenty years ago set in motion a remarkable initiative known today as the Entangled Whale Assistance Network (RABEN). This network, born out of a daring and collaborative effort, has become a pivotal national and international force in whale conservation.
The genesis of RABEN was a cooperative effort between various institutions, including the then 8th Naval Zone (now the XIIth) of Puerto Vallarta, whale watching tour operators, the Regional Aquaculture Research Center and Pesquera (CRIP), and the Ecology and Conservation of Whales (ECOBAC), a civil association led by biologist Astrid Frisch Jordán.
Recalling the initial rescue, Jordán narrates, “Armed with nothing but improvised tools, a team conducted seven hours of perilous operations to free the whale, sparking the formation of the RABEN mission.”
Since its inception, RABEN has expanded significantly, developing a protocol founded on over four decades of experience in whale disentanglement. Today, the network boasts 15 teams across the Mexican Pacific and the Baja California peninsula. With over 180 trained members, RABEN has successfully rescued 87 whales, including species like humpback, gray, fin, Bryde’s, and sperm whales.
These teams represent a diverse coalition of government bodies, academic institutions, and volunteers from civil associations and tour operators, unified in their commitment to the efficient and safe rescue of whales entangled in fishing gear.
Astrid Frisch underscores the significance of each rescue, stating, “Every one of the 87 whales we’ve saved tells a tale of intense effort, ranging from hours to days. Each operation is a blend of unpredictability, challenge, and learning, characterized by both triumphant and somber moments.”
ECOBAC, playing a pivotal role, manages various facets including reporting, training, equipment procurement, and documentation. Despite limited resources, its members are dedicated to addressing each challenge head-on, emphasizing the importance of prevention in tackling the root cause of whale entanglement.
Marking two decades of achievements and hurdles, RABEN is expanding its reach to the Upper Gulf, a critical habitat for the endangered vaquita porpoise. This expansion aims to aid not just the whales but also the vaquitas and the local communities.
With the whale season commencing on December 8 in this region, the 16 RABEN teams stand prepared to respond to incidents of whale entanglement. Jordán emphasizes the crucial role of timely and effective reporting by sailors, urging them to never attempt rescues themselves, as such actions can exacerbate the situation or complicate professional rescue efforts.
In celebration of this landmark anniversary, a photographic exhibition featuring 30 captivating images of both the rescues and the whales themselves has been organized. This exhibition will be showcased at the Los Mangos Library from December 9 to 18, with the grand opening scheduled for December 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.
RABEN’s journey, from a single act of compassion to a comprehensive, collaborative initiative, stands as a testament to the power of collective action in marine conservation.
