Entangled Humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) Whale

Observation: A humpback whale (Negaptera novaeangliae) died as a result of entanglement with fishing debris. This is important because these are our marine resources and is a culturally significant event. The whale had been entangled in some crab line. There are increasing numbers of whales passing through the area, and potentially greater risk for more entanglements. This effects subsistence and fisheries due to loss of equipment and we are also concerned about the health of whales. There are currently no trained personnel on sea mammal / whale disentanglement. Chris Price, Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska

Consult: This observation has been shared with the Alaska SeaGrant Marine Advisory Program Agent in Unalaska.