August 30, 2018 is a day that I will not soon forget. At the end of a fantastic whale watching trip, we noticed a large commercial fishing vessel approach the area where over a dozen humpback whales and several minke whales were seen feeding. We knew that just two weeks prior, similar fishing vessels had set their seine nets around at least two different humpback whales, likely targeting the herring on which the whales were feeding. We watched, cautiously, and never anticipated the scene that unfolded.
The vessel deployed a small boat, which then began to pull the seine net off the large vessel and maneuver it around a pair of humpback whales. These were whales that we knew well, Owl and Chablis. We had seen them together earlier in the day. The small boat seemed to slow as it noticed the whales were encompassed, but it continued to completely entrap the two humpback whales in its net. Chablis apparently dodged the netting, but Owl was trapped inside. She thrashed as the net grew tighter. She trumpeted, a loud, exasperated exhalation, over and over. She hit the float line of the net several times, each time flailing and splashing. Owl was clearly in distress. When the net was being hauled in by the vessel, it was getting tighter and tighter.
Owl’s behavior continued to show signs of elevated distress. Just before the net was completely hauled onto the vessel, one section of the net got released, creating an escape route for the entrapped whale. Within 10 minutes, Owl has successfully escaped the net, but was not relocated for over an hour.
Since this disturbing event, Owl has been seen several times. She appears to be doing alright with no signs of external injury. Owl is a lucky whale. This incident could have ended tragically for both her and Chablis had any part of their bodies been snagged in the net. Entanglement in fishing gear is a leading cause of death for many whale species. As difficult as it was to watch, I am happy that we stood by her for nearly an hour until it was evident that she was free. Thanks to the passengers, crew and captain for of Granite State Whale Watch for their patience!
Aboard each of our whale watches, we collect data that is vital to learning about individual whales and the species as a whole. We documented Owl’s behavior in great detail during this incident. The case is currently under investigation by NOAA law enforcement, and we’ll send updates as soon as we have any new information.
This event is a clear case of entrapment of a marine mammal. Humpback whales were just recently de-listed as an endangered species, but it is obvious that they still face numerous threats from humans.
Your support will help us continue our vital research, allow us to share our data with the wider scientific community, and help fund dedicated research cruises to help us better study whale biology and behavior.
