BOSTON, Mass. (WPRI) — The Marine Animal Entanglement Response team from the Provincetown based Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) was able to disentangle a large fin whale on Stellwagen Bank, east of Boston.
The team was able to remove almost all of the entanglement, leaving a short amount of rope through the mouth. They believe it will be shed naturally over time.
The entangled whale was reported by a tuna spotter pilot during his tuna search in the area. The pilot was able to stay with the while until the response ream arrived. CCS happened to be conducting a whale research cruise nearby and was able to get to the scene quickly.
The nearly 60 foot long whale was trying to swim with the entanglement, a large loop of fishing rope and buoys, stuck in its mouth. The loop was also trailing nearly 70 feet behind its tail when it was discovered.
For more details on the rescue, visit the Coastal Studies’ website.
*Mariners are urged to report any entanglement sightings of whales, sea-turtles and other marine animals immediately to the Entanglement Response Hotline (1-800-900-3622) or the US Coast Guard (Channel 16), and to stand by the animal at a safe distance until trained responders arrive.
