Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts – The deaths and serious injuries of several endangered whales on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts have sparked concern among federal officials and whale conservation groups. The recent fatalities include five North Atlantic right whales and two fin whales.
Regina Asmutis-Silvia, executive director of Whale and Dolphin Conservation USA, emphasized the importance of understanding the causes of whale deaths on both coasts in order to develop effective mitigation strategies. It has been reported that entanglement in fishing gear is a leading cause of whale deaths.
Federal officials are investigating the deaths of two whales – a right whale found on Martha’s Vineyard and a fin whale washed up on the Oregon coast – both of which were entangled in fishing gear. The entangling rope found on the right whale in Martha’s Vineyard was identified as gear belonging to a crab pot or lobster pot in Maine state waters. This discovery has once again brought attention to the impact of fishing gear on whale populations.
Tragically, the entangled rope had been wrapped around the right whale’s tail for more than half its life, causing severe injuries and eventually leading to its death. The rope, marked with purple markings indicating it was from Maine, highlights the need for more targeted conservation measures based on specific areas rather than blanket regulations across the entire industry.
Maine officials, including U.S. Sen. Angus King and Gov. Janet Mills, expressed sadness over the whale’s death but defended the state’s fishing industry, emphasizing the rarity of entanglements in Maine fishing gear. However, the presence of Maine gear on the deceased whale underscores the need for greater accountability and measures to protect endangered whale species.
The North Atlantic right whale’s population has declined dramatically in recent years, leading to heightened concern among conservationists. The deaths of several calves and the critical injury of others in vessel strikes further underscore the urgent need for action to protect these critically endangered marine mammals.
The recent incidents have reignited the debate over the impact of fishing gear on whale populations, with advocates calling for greater responsibility and proactive measures from the fishing industry to prevent further harm to these vulnerable creatures. As efforts to protect North Atlantic right whales continue, the need for collaboration between conservation groups, federal agencies, and the fishing industry has become increasingly urgent.