Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale Entangled in Fishing Gear Off Georgia Coast
A juvenile North Atlantic right whale (NARW), known as “Division” (#5217), has been spotted entangled in fishing gear off the coast of Georgia. This troubling development comes from a new report issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Details of the Incident
Division, a male whale born in 2022, was documented on December 3 by an aerial survey team from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Previously, he was observed free of any entanglements in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada, back in July. NOAA reports that Division is now found with what is described as a “very complex entanglement.”
Condition of the Whale
The assessment indicates that Division has multiple lines wrapping around his head and mouth, with one line even cutting into his blowhole. Additionally, the entangled lines extend beyond his flukes, raising serious concerns about his health and well-being.
Impact on Species and Fishing Industries
NOAA has preliminarily classified Division’s case as a “serious injury” under the criteria for an Unusual Mortality Event (UME). This designation indicates that the young whale is at high risk of mortality as a direct result of the entanglement.
This incident poses potential repercussions for the U.S. lobster industry, which has been resistant to efforts aimed at prohibiting roped trap gear. The source of the fishing gear involved in Division’s entanglement has yet to be determined, stirring concerns among conservationists and industry stakeholders alike.
The Broader Context
With a population of only about 380 North Atlantic right whales remaining, escalating mortality rates have been recorded in both the U.S. and Canada. Since 2017, a UME has been declared for the species, with Division marking the 168th NARW reported as part of this ongoing crisis.
Response Efforts
Despite multiple attempts by trained responders to disentangle Division, they were ultimately unsuccessful. However, responders were able to attach a buoy to the remaining fishing gear, enabling them to track and monitor the whale’s movements more easily.
NOAA has assured the public that they will continue to collaborate with authorized responders and trained experts to document the whale’s situation. “Further entanglement response efforts will proceed as the whale’s condition, weather conditions, and resightings allow,” they stated.
Conclusion
The plight of Division reinforces the urgency for concerted conservation efforts for the North Atlantic right whale, a species on the brink of extinction. Stakeholders in the fishing industry, as well as environmental organizations, must work collaboratively to implement solutions that protect these endangered marine mammals.
