West Coast Whales Are Getting Tangled In Crab Traps At Record Rate

LOS ANGELES, CA — Record numbers of whales are getting tangled in crab traps in the waters off the coast of California, Oregon and Washington, authorities announced this week.

Based on data gathered by National Marine Fisheries Service, the Center for Biological Diversity found that 71 whales were seen tangled in the traps off the West Coast in 2016. It’s the third consecutive year of record-breaking totals, a worrisome trend for conservationists.

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, specifically, has recently seen the highest number of entanglements.

“Whales are suffering slow, painful deaths because there are too many crab traps in Monterey Bay,” said Catherine Kilduff of the Center for Biological Diversity. “When whales get tangled up in traps, they can die of starvation or dehydration. After seeing this problem reach a record level, California has to reduce the number of traps and issue emergency closures as needed to protect these beautiful animals.”

Of the 71 reported cases, crews were able to identify the culprit 29 times. Of those 29 cases, 22 whales, including blue whales, humpback whales and an orca, were caught in Dungeness crab traps. Just a decade ago, an average of eight whales were caught in traps off the West coast annually.

According to the nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity, entangled whales often carry traps and buoys hundreds of miles but are then sapped of strength. The traps can interfere with breathing, feeding and reproducing while also causing infected wounds. The end result is often starvation, dehydration and slow death.

“Endangered whales don’t have the resilience to fight through Dungeness crab pots during another year of record-breaking entanglements,” Kilduff said. “It’s time for action to replace words and for California to require changes to fishing practices. We need to stop the entanglements before it’s too late.”

A working group studying the problem recommends a series of changes, including modifying and limiting the amount of lined used, using only one buoy in waters shallower than 30 fathoms and asking fisherman to avoid setting up their gear near whales.

“Collaborative processes are a step in the right direction, but whales need urgent measures now until new fishing practices are widely adopted,” Kilduff said. “California fisheries are quickly earning a reputation as the deadliest for whales in the country.

If you are out on the water and see a whale in distress, call 1-877-SOS-WHALE. The National Marine Fisheries Service also asks that you note:

1. Location of the animal;
2. A detailed description of the color and gauge of rope;
3. Location of gear on the whale;
4. Color and size of buoys;
5. Direction of the whale’s movement, including
whether it is solitary or with a group;
6. Behavior of the whale, including whether it is
surfacing or diving, and the length of dive times;
7. Species of whale; and
8. Size and condition of the whale.
9. Take photos and videos of the entangled whale, which can provide valuable information to
the responders and resource managers.