Sixty-four large whales became entangled in fishing gear in 2023, according to new NOAA data, slightly fewer than the prior year and below the 16-year average of 72.
But entanglements remain a major cause of injury and death to whales off both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, including federally endangered North Atlantic right whales whose populations are believed to be around 370 individuals.
“Entanglements in fishing gear or marine debris represent a continued threat to the welfare and recovery of many whale species. This includes species that are endangered and approaching extinction,” NOAA said in a press release.
The latest findings do not reflect all whale injuries or deaths due to human causes in 2023. Vessel strikes are also a significant cause of mortality for large whales, particularly in busy shipping corridors and fishing grounds off the U.S. East Coast where right whales are particularly vulnerable.
