© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ropes That Break More Easily Could Save Some Whales Along the East Coast

International Whaling Commission
/
iwc.int
An entangled humpback whale.
In the United States, at least 115 marine species are impacted by entanglement.

A whale’s majesty can be glimpsed during a whale watching trip anywhere the regal mammals roam. But the chances of that vision being marred are increasing as more whales become entangled in fishing gear.

Whale entanglements in commercial fishing gear are happening almost every week along the east coast of the U.S. and Canada, according to a recent study. The study also said that switching to ropes that break more easily could save those whales.

The Consortium for Wildlife Bycatch Reduction initiated the study and the New England Aquarium, and the Center for Coastal Studies conducted it. The study concluded that ropes that break at 1,700 pounds or less could reduce life-threatening entanglements for large whales by as much as 72 percent.

The ropes would still work for much of the fishing industry.

The study examined ropes retrieved from live and dead whales entangled in fishing gear from 1994 to 2010.

And it’s not just whales that are having issues. According to a 2014 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reporton entanglements, seals, dolphins, sea birds, sea turtles and other marine species around the world are becoming entangled and dying. The report said that in the United States, at least 115 marine species are impacted by entanglement, including mammals, turtles, birds, fish, and crabs. Worldwide, the number tops 200.

The consortium had other suggestionsto stem the problem, including: rare earth metals for shark deterrence, acoustic deterrents (marine mammals), using red rope as whales may see and avoid red rope, using stiffer rope to prevent entanglements, and using different hook strength.

There are also teams worldwide that go out and detangle whales and other marine life by hand.

This report includes information from The Associated Press.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content