Whale experts from NOAA Fisheries have successfully freed two whales that were humpbacks, one of which was an infamous calf named “Herbert” which became entangled in fishing gear close to Juneau this week.
Herbert’s incident was the third reported humpback whale-related entanglement in the region this month.
Sadie Wright is the coordinator for the Large Whale Entanglement Response. She reported that her team received more reports of entanglement than usual in July.
“We’re certainly above average this year in large whale involvements in Alaska and the Southeast,” she said.
Herbert’s involvement in a recreational crab line was reported by a research scientist working at Auke Bay Laboratories early last week.
A local whale-watching company provided NOAA biologists towards Herbert along with his wife, Juneauite, while the whales were feeding close to Favorite Reef. Biologists were able to remove the majority of the fishing equipment from their vessel. The footage from drones later proved the calf took off the remaining gear.
Juneauite is frequently seen out of Juneau. It was the second time she had been entangled in her calves following an incident similar to the year 2016.
Wright confirmed that a resident whale, humpback named Manu could be freed from an entanglement in the crab pot gear near Fritz Cove earlier this month. The team that responded identified the equipment using the satellite tag.
span style=”font-weight 400 ;”>”All of the equipment he was caught in was accounted for,” Wright said. “But we’re looking to determine whether he’s suffered any injuries or if he’s capable of foraging properly.”
Team members are looking for boaters who enjoy recreational sailing, whale watch tour directors and scientists to keep an eye on Manu in Frederick Sound.
Unidentified third whale that was caught in the gill net earlier in the month, hasn’t been observed since.
The entanglement of fishing gear could cause serious harm to whales. A heavy, floating piece of gear can cause exhaustion and restrict the amount of food available. The chance of entanglement is greater for lines that are free floating.
Wright suggested that fishermen could reduce the possibility of entanglement using weighted lines, and also removing fishing equipment when not being used.
