New Zealand whale freed from fishing net in ‘particularly dangerous’ multi-day operation A nine-meter southern right whale, the first of its species recorded entangled in New Zealand waters, was freed after a complex multi-day operation. Experts faced challenges due to the whale’s size, strength, and unpredictable nature. The successful disentanglement highlights the importance of reporting sightings and the species’ recovering population.

• A southern right whale entangled in a large fishing net off New Zealand’s southern coast was freed.
• This is the first recorded instance of a southern right whale entanglement in New Zealand waters.
• The rescue operation was complex and dangerous due to the whale’s size and strength.
• A satellite tracker and a ferry detour were used to locate and monitor the whale.
• The whale was freed after 45 minutes of cutting the rope.
• Southern right whales are a taonga species for Ngāi Tahu and their population is increasing after near extinction.