A humpback whale calf referred to as Tango which was found dead in Auke Bay earlier this summer was killed by a huge vessel, as per the post-mortem examination.
The fatal injuries comprised deep cuts on the calf’s body as well as pectoral fins that were most likely caused by propeller. According the NOAA Marine Mammal Specialist Suzie Teerlink, Tango also had scarring due to injuries sustained in the past by smaller vessels.
Its style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”This calves had interactions with a variety of vessels over his brief time in existence,” Teerlink said. “We witness these interactions that are sublethal often.”
Tango was born in the year 2000 to Sasha who is known as a whale with a long history of returning to the area of Juneau every year. Sasha can be easily identifiable because of a distinct mark due to her being caught of fishing tools.
The span style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”That’s I consider it is a proof that they are able to be able to withstand a variety of humans,” Teerlink said. “But there are a lot of risk to be taken. .”
NOAA doesn’t keep a formal record of incidents involving vessels or entanglement accidents in the area, however Teerlink explained that the region where Sasha as well as her calves are likely to feed has a lot of vessel traffic. Additionally, she said the whale population as well as the number of vessels in the Juneau area have risen recently, which may lead to more injuries.
span style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”There times, there is an assumption that whales are aware of the location of boats always,” Teerlink said. “They do observe their surroundings. But, you have to remember that it’s not foolproof.”
Teerlink stated that the best method to protect whales is to slow down the speed. This allows whales to have more time to adjust and allows mariners the chance to look around the area. NOAA Guidelines stipulate that vessels must remain within a distance of at most 100 feet from whales.
