On Sunday November 3, 2018 OAI employee Lauren Saez gave an oral presentation alongside NMFS’ Justin Greenman on an effort to document U.S. west coast large whale entanglements in 2017 at the 16th International American Cetacean Society Conference in Newport Beach, CA. The team of 6 who worked on this project also included OAI’s Lauren De Maio.

Abstract: Marine mammal entanglement off the U.S. West Coast has been identified as an issue of concern by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), specifically for large whales because of the potential impacts, both to the individual and at the stock/population level. Most large whale species found along the U.S. West Coast have been observed either as entangled or with evidence of having been entangled during their lifetime. Between 2000 and 2013, an average of 10 large whale entanglements were reported per year along the U.S. west coast, with humpback (Megapteranovaeangliae) and gray (Eschrichtiusrobustus) whales being the species most frequently identified. Starting in 2014 there was an increase noted in entanglement reports with more than 30 and then in 2015, the total number of entangled whales reported was 61 with 49 of those reports confirmed via photo or reliable source and gear was removed from 11whales. In 2016 the total number of reports rose to 71 with 48 being confirmed and gear was removed from 10 whales (includes full, partial and self-release). In 2017 there was a decrease in both reported and confirmed entanglements with 41 reported and 31 confirmed but unfortunately this number is still elevated. Over the past four years the team identified the following gear types from the entangled whales: Dungeness crab pot, sablefish pot, spiny lobster pot, spot prawn pot, a weather buoy, and a variety of gill nets. This information aids in understanding the nature of the entanglement and in finding ways to try to prevent future entanglements. NMFS and the entanglement response team are working to expand the coverage across the entire West Coast to improve on the timeliness of responses to all received reports and collaborating with boaters, whale watching groups and fishermen to raise awareness and find methods to reduce future entanglements. READ MORE