For over a decade, a group of humpback whales have been struggling to survive due to entanglement in fishing gear near fish farms. According to a recent report, eight humpback whales have been entangled in fishing gear for 13 years, highlighting the ongoing issue of marine animals becoming trapped in fishing equipment.
The report, released by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), revealed that the eight humpback whales were first spotted in 2008 and have been seen every year since then. The whales were identified through photographs taken by researchers and citizen scientists, who have been monitoring the population of humpback whales in the area.
The whales were found to be entangled in a variety of fishing gear, including ropes, nets, and buoys. This gear is commonly used in the aquaculture industry, specifically in fish farms, which are located in the same area where the whales were spotted. The DFO report stated that the entanglement of these whales is a result of the close proximity of the fish farms to the whales’ feeding grounds.
The entanglement of these humpback whales has had a significant impact on their health and well-being. The report noted that the whales have been observed with injuries and scars caused by the fishing gear, and some have even lost parts of their fins. This not only affects their ability to swim and feed properly but also puts them at risk of infection and other health issues.
The DFO has been working closely with the aquaculture industry to address this issue and reduce the risk of entanglement for marine animals. In 2018, new regulations were put in place to require fish farms to have a plan in place to prevent entanglement of marine animals. However, the report suggests that these measures may not be enough to protect the humpback whales.
Environmental groups have been calling for stricter regulations and better management of fish farms to prevent harm to marine animals. They argue that the close proximity of fish farms to the whales’ feeding grounds is a major contributing factor to the entanglement issue. They also point out that the use of non-biodegradable materials in fishing gear is a major concern, as it can remain in the ocean for years and continue to harm marine animals.
The DFO has acknowledged the need for further action and has committed to working with the aquaculture industry to find solutions to reduce the risk of entanglement. They have also urged the public to report any sightings of entangled marine animals to the DFO’s Marine Mammal Incident Reporting Hotline.
The entanglement of these eight humpback whales for 13 years highlights the urgent need for better management of fish farms and stricter regulations to protect marine animals. It is crucial for the aquaculture industry to take responsibility and implement measures to prevent entanglement and ensure the safety of marine animals in the area. Only through collaborative efforts and effective management can we ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures in our oceans.
