Center For Biological Diversity: Protect Whales From Deadly Entanglement

Federal data shows 33 whales reportedly entangled in commercial fishing gear last year — plus nine so far this year — off the U.S. West Coast alone. Most of these whales were humpbacks. (And since not all entanglements are reported, scientists say, the actual entanglement numbers may be five times higher.) Entanglements happen when whales, sea turtles, and other sea creatures get caught in vertical ropes running from buoys at the ocean surface to fishing traps on the seafloor. The ropes can starve, suffocate, wound, and drown animals. Fisheries can prevent suffering and save lives by using pop-up gear (aka “on-demand” or ropeless gear), which stops entanglements by eliminating the need for vertical ropes used in traditional commercial gear. Pop-up gear works and is readily available. But to truly succeed, it needs state and federal support. Sign our petition HERE urging NOAA Fisheries and other decisionmakers to protect whales in key habitat — while still allowing fishing with safer, whale-friendly gear.