Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station

Harbour porpoises often follow schools of herring into weirs and become trapped in these fishing structures. The Harbour Porpoise Release Program consists of two components; first, monitoring all weirs around Grand Manan each morning for the presence of porpoises. And second, releasing porpoises caught in weirs by taking a small boat into the weir to safely remove the porpoises after the fish are harvested.

While trapped in a weir, porpoises are able to swim, feed, and breathe, but many do not swim out on their own. The program has also developed methods to help weir fishermen safely release large whales from their weirs.

IFAW believes in ensuring the timely rescue of animals, their release to safe environments, and the promotion of enlightened human/animal interactions. The rescue and release of harbour porpoises is an immediate and direct contribution to the welfare of individual animals. 

Key Facts

• Harbour porpoises have been designated as a species of special concern by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada due to the high levels of incidental mortality caused by gillnets set for groundfish, which operate in the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of Maine.
  
• Each porpoise released represents a positive step in the conservation of this species.
  
• The Harbour Porpoise Release Program represents a unique example of fishermen and researchers working together for the conservation of a species of special concern.
  
• The Harbour Porpoise Release Program also provides a means to increase conservation awareness among fishermen and their communities.

During the summer of 2004, the team released 48 porpoises and one minke whale from herring weirs.  Since the inception of the program, over 700 porpoises have been rescued, many of whom would have died had the program not intervened.

The 2005 season has already begun with the rescue of a mother and calf.  Both porpoises were initally spotted inside one of the weir nets, but the mother swam to safety overnight.  Not wanting to abandon the calf, the mother continued to swim outside of the fishing structure until the team was able to release the calf and reunite them.  Another successful rescue done!