Entangled whale in Monterey Bay rescued
MOSS LANDING, Calif. (KION) After a multi-day effort, an entangled humpback whale in the Monterey Bay has been rescued.
On Friday, responders with the Pacific Large Whale Entanglement Response Network-- including staff from the Marine Life Studies' Whale Entanglement Team, Cascadia Research, SR3 Sealife Response Rehab and Research and the Marine Mammal Center-- were able to remove fishing gear that was wrapped around the whale's body.
“Whale watching Eco-tourism industry as well as the fishing industry was really involved in helping relocate this whale, and it was a really wonderful thing seeing our community come together,” Julia O'Hern with the Marine Mammal Center said.
The whale was first reported Dec. 9 by a fisherman, but the whale was lost because of its unpredictable behavior, according to Marine Life Studies. It was spotted again the next day by Sea Spirit Ocean Safari, but it was too late in the day for a response.
On Wednesday, Marine Life Studies said a multi-agency search of the Monterey Bay was conducted from sunrise to sunset. They found more than 40 humpback whales, but did not find the one tangled in fishing gear.
It was seen again on Friday by TowBoatUS Santa Cruz and reported to the Coast Guard. A team from Marine Life Studies was able to find the whale while other agencies responded. They found that the entanglement was life-threatening because the gear would cut into the whale's body as it grew.
The team used buoys to slow the whale down and keep it near the surface and were able to cut the line running across the whale's back. The gear came off, and the whale swam away.
Experts say if you see a whale entangled don't approach it.
“When they’re entangled in any type of marine debris it is often times life threatening there are times where they’re able to free themselves. There could be more gear below the surface, so it's really important if you do see a whale to keep your distance so you’re safe, but also so you don’t spook the whale,” O'Hern said.
To report an entangled whale, call 1-877-767-9245 or hail the Coast Guard on VHF CH-16.
