Right Whale Disentangled Off NC
Endangered North Atlantic Whale Rescued From Fishing Gear
A North Atlantic right whale is freed from fishing gear after being tracked since September. Effort highlights the many dangers faced by a critically endangered species.
The disentanglement of a young North Atlantic Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) off the southeast US coast in late January 2007 put the plight of the critically endangered whale into the public eye, helping to gain support for efforts to save the species.
Right Whale Tracked from Bay of Fundy
Although a bit of fishing gear was still attached to the mouth of this rare whale, its chances of survival are greatly increased by not having heavy ropes dragging along behind it.
The animal was first seen by researchers in the Bay of Fundy in September 2006 but it was not resighted until it reached the Georgia coast earlier in January. With numbers estimated at less than 300 animals, each right whale is critical to the survival of the species.
Biopsy sample provides important data
The disentanglement team was able to take a small dart biopsy sample using a crossbow. A wealth of information, including the animal’s sex and health status ,can be gotten from this tiny bit of tissue. Genetic data can be compared with samples from other right whales, important information in such a reduced population which may have a very small gene pool. As with the North Pacific right whale, slow reproduction (females may only give birth every 3 years) adds to their decreased chance of survival. Because the freed animal was a juvenile it has already survived several difficult years and may just be nearing reproductive age. Right whales live many (60-70) years but a shortage of young animals is one of the concerns for the species.
Prevention of entanglement
In addition to disentangling whales caught in fishing gear, the groups involved work to try to prevent entanglements from occurring in the first place. Modifying fishing gear is one area showing promise The use of ‘pingers’ which make a sound to alert the whales to the presence of gear is method whose effectiveness will need to be determined, but these pingers are already keeping harbor porpoises out of fixed fishing nets. Moving fishing gear out of migratory routes and areas where whales congregate is also under consideration.
Ship strikes create further hazard
A slow moving species which is difficult to see as it doesn't rise high out of the water when it blows, North Atlantic right whales are also prone to ship strikes. Researchers and government officials have been reviewing right whale migration patterns and monitoring areas where the whales congregate and are attempting to adjust ship traffic accordingly. Shipboard detection equipment could also help crews avoid whales in their area.
In the public eye
Disentanglement efforts like this serve a secondary purpose beyond helping the individual whale. A dramatic rescue catches the public's imagination and focuses their attention on the species,if only for a time. Issues besides entanglement can be raised and support for protection increased.
