Whale disentanglement team tries to cut ropes off whale swimming slowly near Dana Point harbor

Whale disentanglement team works to sever ropes

DANA POINT, Calif. — A Sea World whale disentanglement team is trying to remove long ropes seen dangling from a gray whale that has been swimming near Dana Point Harbor for a couple of days.

Wildlife biologist Joe Cordaro with the National Marine Fisheries Service in Long Beach says success depends on how well the whale cooperates.

If docile, the ropes around the animal’s left front flipper and on his tail section can probably be cut quickly. If the whale reacts aggressively, it will be more difficult.

The team uses a long pole with a cutting instrument on the end. The trick is getting under the ropes so the blade doesn’t cut the animal.

Cordaro estimates the whale is 30 to 35 feet long and weighs about 20 tons or 40,000 pounds.