Testing New Drone Tools to Help Free Entangled Whales in Hawaiʻi

February 4, 2026

Each winter, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm, shallow waters of Hawaiʻi to breed, give birth, and nurse their calves. While these waters provide crucial habitat, humpback whales still face serious threats—including entanglement in marine debris, which can injure or kill whales and pose significant risks to the people authorized to help free them.

This week, scientists with Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary are testing new drone-based tools designed to make whale entanglement response safer, less invasive, and more effective. The field work marks the first real-world deployment of equipment developed through a multi-year collaboration with Ocean Alliance, with support and oversight from NOAA Fisheries.

A split-screen image showing a drone hovering over whales at the surface and an underwater view of a mother humpback whale and her calf.
In the distance, a drone is seen hovering beside humpback whales while towing an underwater 360 camera. The underwater imagery of the composite shot shows what the 360 camera captured. Photo taken under NOAA MMHSRP permit # 24359

Why Entanglement Response is Complex

Large whales can survive for months or even years while entangled, but the consequences are often severe. Entanglement can restrict movement, increase energy demands, cause deep wounds and infections, and ultimately lead to starvation and death. At the same time, responding to an entangled whale is dangerous work. A whale's size, strength, and unpredictable movements can put trained responders at risk, particularly when operations require close proximity from small boats.

Because of these risks, accurate assessment is critical. Responders must determine how gear is wrapped around the whale and whether intervention is necessary and safe before attempting to remove it.

During this field effort, trained pilots will test drones equipped to deploy:

  • Non-invasive suction-cup tags that temporarily attach to entangled whales to collect movement, acoustic, and video data
  • Camera systems to provide underwater views and full-body visual assessments that compliment aerial camera views
  • Specially-designed cutting and grappling tools that may help remove entangling lines from a safer distance.

These tools have been rigorously tested on mock whale models, but this is the first time they will be tested on live whales under permitted and authorized response conditions.

The data collected can also help researchers better understand how entanglement affects whale behavior and energy use, and whether additional response actions are needed.

Underwater view from the back of a whale, showing another whale nearby and a large mass of entangled rope with a buoy.
Underwater view showing the gear entangling a humpback whale, taken from a CATS suction-cup tag that was attached by the use of a drone to the back of an entangled whale. Photo taken under NOAA MMHSRP permit # 24359

A Partnership Grounded in Training and Experience

For more than three years, sanctuary staff have worked alongside Ocean Alliance to refine drone-based tagging, imaging, and tool deployment techniques. The collaboration operates under NOAA Fisheries' Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, ensuring that all activities meet strict safety and animal welfare standards.

To date, the team has completed more than 300 drone flights, deployed over 45 suction-cup tags, and successfully tested the deployment of an underwater camera system and cutting tools on simulated entanglements.

Equally important is the human element. Pilots undergo extensive training to ensure precise, controlled flights—because even the most advanced tool is only effective when operated safely and skillfully.

Looking Ahead

While drones will never replace experienced on-water responders, this work represents an important step forward in whale conservation. By combining cutting-edge science, careful testing, and innovative partnerships, NOAA and its collaborators are working to improve outcomes for entangled whales while reducing risk to the people helping them.

As humpback whales continue their seasonal return to Hawaiʻi's waters, these test flights may help shape the future of safer, smarter, and less invasive entanglement response.

Stay Tuned: "Saving Koholā" Premier

Saving Koholā is a short film highlighting the research and resource protection work in Hawaiʻi through Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Keep an eye out for this upcoming Stories From the Blue.

Rachel Plunkett is the content manager and senior writer/editor for NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries