Whales are getting tangled in lines and ropes off the California coast in record numbers

"The number of whales getting tangled up in fishing nets, line, buoys and other miscellaneous rope off the coasts of the United States hit a record high in 2024, with California taking the ignominious lead. According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, there were 95 confirmed entangled whales in U.S. waters last year. Eighty-seven were live animals, while reports for eight came in after the animals had died."

"On average, 71 whales are reported entangled each year. There were 64 in 2023. More than 70% of the reports were from the coastal waters off California, Alaska, Hawaii and Massachusetts. California accounted for 25% in 2024, most in the San Francisco and Monterey bay areas. Humpback whales were hardest hit, accounting for 77 of the cases. Other whale species include North Pacific gray whales, the North Atlantic right whale, minke, sperm, fin and bowhead whales."

"Entanglements are just one of many threats facing whales worldwide. Earlier this year, 21 gray whales died in Bay Area waters, mostly after getting struck by ships. The animals are increasingly stressed from changes in food availability, shipping traffic, noise pollution, waste discharge, disease and plastic debris, and their ability to avoid and survive these impediments is diminishing. Since 2007, more than 920 humpback whales have been maimed or killed by long line ropes."

There were 95 confirmed entangled whales in U.S. waters in 2024: 87 live and eight dead. The historical average is 71 entanglements per year; 2023 had 64. More than 70% of reports came from coastal waters off California, Alaska, Hawaii and Massachusetts, with California responsible for 25%, primarily in San Francisco and Monterey Bay. Humpback whales accounted for 77 cases; other species included North Pacific gray, North Atlantic right, minke, sperm, fin and bowhead whales. Entanglements involve fishing line, nets, buoys, anchor line and other rope. Since 2007, over 920 humpbacks have been maimed or killed by longline ropes.

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