Edgartown, Massachusetts – At least seven endangered whales have been found dead or seriously injured, or gone missing since mid-December. Among them are five North Atlantic right whales on the Atlantic Coast and two fin whales on the Pacific Coast. The alarming number of whale deaths has raised concerns among whale conservation groups, federal officials, and other stakeholders.
Regina Asmutis-Silvia, executive director of Whale and Dolphin Conservation USA, emphasized the importance of understanding how whales are dying on both coasts. Two of the dead whales—a right whale that washed up on Martha’s Vineyard and a fin whale that washed up on the Oregon coast—were entangled in fishing gear, further highlighting the leading cause of whale deaths.
The entangling fishing rope found on the right whale from Martha’s Vineyard triggered an announcement from the National Marine Fisheries Service, which identified the rope as gear belonging to a crab pot or lobster pot in Maine state waters. The release of this information sparked immediate responses from whale conservation groups and the fishing industry, shedding light on the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Amidst the tragedy, Maine officials, including U.S. Sen. Angus King and Gov. Janet Mills, lamented the whale’s death but defended the state’s fishing industry, calling it a vital part of Maine’s economy and heritage. However, they acknowledged the unfortunate conclusion that rope embedded in the whale was consistent with lines used by the Maine lobster fishery.
A timeline of the young whale’s life revealed a pattern of entanglements, leading to its slow and painful death. As a result, the discussion around the impact of fishing gear on whale mortality has intensified, with whale experts demanding accountability and solutions from the fishing industry to prevent further tragedies.
The critical situation facing right whales was contrasted with that of fin whales, whose population on the West Coast has also faced challenges. The recent examination of a fin whale at Sunset Beach State Park in Oregon underscores the broader implications of entanglement incidents and the need for concerted efforts to protect these endangered species.
The series of unfortunate events concerning whale deaths have prompted a reevaluation of current measures in place to protect these majestic creatures, raising questions about the effectiveness and adequacy of existing regulations. The urgent need for stronger action and cooperation between various stakeholders in the fishing industry and wildlife conservation groups is highlighted by the recent tragedies.