The World Cetacean Alliance is thrilled to announce a new collaboration with Waterhaul and the launch of a limited-edition range of sunglasses! Each of the 352 pairs has been crafted exclusively from fishing gear retrieved from a whale disentanglement in Algoa Bay Whale Heritage Area, turning near-disaster into conservation hope. Every pair sold will also raise vital funds for global whale conservation and support further rescue efforts in South Africa.
“We hope that everyone who purchases these sunglasses, or receives them as a gift, will connect with the story of where they came from and follow our rescued whale on their journey around the world!”
– Sophie Lewis, CEO of the WCA
Fighting the dangers of ocean pollution: how the story unfolded
On September 21st, 2023, WCA Partner Raggy Charters sighted an entangled whale in Algoa Bay, South Africa — a juvenile humpback with lengths of plastic rope and buoys wrapped around their tail. If left in place, this fishing gear would have slowed the whale’s movements, prevented them from feeding properly, and most likely have resulted in an untimely death.
Thanks to the quick eyes and actions of Raggy Charters, a rescue team was able to fully disentangle the young whale, which has been sighted again since then, swimming freely.
Rescue to Recycle
After the successful disentanglement, we arranged for the fishing gear retrieved during the rescue to be sent to Waterhaul, who transformed this harmful marine plastic into a limited-edition range of sunglasses!
Entanglements like these are often preventable, yet lost and discarded fishing equipment (known as ‘ghost gear’) continues to claim the lives of countless marine animals every year. This is why we decided to collaborate with sustainable brand Waterhaul, who are committed to combating the threat of ghost gear by removing this dangerous waste from the ocean and turning it into recycled products.
One year on from the rescue
Only 352 pairs of sunglasses are available for purchase, each individually numbered as part of this exclusive release. The sunglasses carry a story of hope and transformation, turning something deadly into something that can make a difference.
£50 from each pair sold will be donated to fund our work and support community conservation, making them a powerful symbol of ocean protection.
Limited-edition t-shirts and eyewear straps have also been designed to accompany the launch, helping to share the story and raising more funds for marine conservation.
A unique chance to name the rescued whale
By making a direct donation to the WCA using this dedicated form, you can also enter our special prize draw in partnership with Happywhale, where you can win the opportunity to officially name the rescued whale!
“Entanglement is one of the biggest threats facing whales today, but we can make a difference by working together to ensure the ocean becomes a cleaner, safer place for them. As an international NGO, we know that it’s the work of our partners on the ground that is key to protecting these incredible animals. By partnering with Waterhaul, we can turn this dangerous waste into donations that support community conservation globally.”
– Sophie Lewis, CEO of the WCA
