Humpback whale freed from entangled gear in the Monterey Bay

A four day mission to free an entangled whale in the Monterey Bay is now over.

The entangled humpback whale traveled thousands of miles, as far south as Point Sur and as far north as the Farallon Islands, according to Marine Life Studies.

The whale was initially spotted by a whale watching boat near Moss Landing. The crew stayed by the whale’s side until entanglement crews dispatched to help.

Responders said the whale was caught in fishing line.

“Normally the whales will migrate south but many of them stayed to feed because there was still lots of feed in the Bay. And that overlapped with the crab pot season. So that’s what’s made it a little more difficult, that you know normally that’s not a problem,” said Peggy Stap with Marine Life Studies.

Crews said thankfully conditions on the water were favorable to pull the line off several times.

This is their 15th whale entanglement this year.

If you ever spot an entangled whale contact authorities to let them know.