Humpback and blue whales migrating along the U.S. West Coast face a growing risk of entanglement in commercial Dungeness crab gear.
An estimated 120,000 vertical lines are deployed in the ocean during crab season. Over the past decade, at least 340 whales have been documented entangled in fishing gear. Scientists say they observe only a fraction of cases, suggesting the true number is likely higher. An estimated 75% of entanglements prove fatal.
Ben Enticknap, a senior scientist at Oceana, is advocating for a ropeless alternative known as “pop-up” gear. The technology stores ropes and buoys on the seafloor and releases them only when triggered by a unique acoustic signal from a fisherman.
“Pop-up gear is an innovative solution to the whale entanglement problem,” Enticknap said. “It’s an opportunity to have a win for wildlife and a win for fishermen.”
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife announced that beginning April 1 — one month earlier than usual — the state’s Dungeness crab fishery must reduce the number of crab pots in use by 20% and follow new depth restrictions aimed at protecting whales.
Fishery managers moved the date up as entanglements in crab gear continue to rise and threatened and endangered humpback whales are known to migrate off the Oregon coast in April.
California trials of pop-up gear have shown 98% reliability, according to advocates. Oregon has not yet authorized the technology for use in its commercial crab fishery.
Oceana recently petitioned state officials to legalize pop-up gear and limit conventional crab traps to waters shallower than 180 feet during peak whale migration months. Supporters say those changes could significantly reduce entanglements.
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- Ben Enticknap, senior scientist at Oceana
