Whale Entanglement Risks in Oregon

Whale Entanglement Risks in Oregon

By At October 24, 2021 0

This is a two-page piece which can be leveraged separately or as a set.  The first provides an overview of the entanglement issue and response in Oregon.   The second is a summary based on a presentation by Solène Derville, Ph.D., about the OPAL project (more details below) as part of the entanglement response.

Infographic about Whale Entanglements in Oregon

Infographic outlining OPAL study - Overlap Predictions About Large whales


Entanglement Issue in Oregon

It is estimated that 300,000 whales and dolphins die world-wide every year due to entanglement in fishing gear.  Being ensnared in fishing lines can lead to amputation, infection of open wounds, suffocation, decreased mobility, increased risk of predation, and even drowning. 

On the Pacific Coast of the U.S., the number of known entanglements has risen significantly in recent years, with peaks as high as 50 per year and an annual average over 20.   Keep in mind, this number is a gross underestimate because many of the animals are not found and/or reported to authorities.  Of the reported incidents, the entanglements are most often attributed to commercial crab fishing gear.   These occur most frequently on large whale species which are already endangered including Humpbacks, Blue Whales, and Fin Whales, as well as the endangered Pacific Leatherback Turtle.

In response to this alarming trend, the Oregon Whale Entanglement Working Group brought together key stakeholders from commercial and recreational fishing, wildlife advocacy groups, research organizations, and local, state and federal agencies. They were tasked to provide recommendations to reduce the risk for entanglement while still allowing for commercial and recreational use of Oregon's ocean waters. California and Washington have similar efforts underway for their state-managed waters.

As part of this effort in Oregon, the Overlap Predictions About Large Whales (OPAL) study has started to unravel some of the mysteries around when and where whales roam near the Oregon coast.  

OPAL Project

On October 16, 2021, Solène Derville was a guest presenter at the American Cetacean Society of Oregon.  Solène is a post-doctoral scholar at Oregon State University's (OSU) Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna (GEMM) Lab.  She is part of the team working on the project entitled, "Overlap Predictions About Large whales" (OPAL).   Her presentation, " Anticipating large whale entanglement risk off Oregon through a predictive approach to spatial conflict" provided an overview of the OPAL study and their findings so far.

The first phase of the OPAL study is expected to finish the first phase in 2022.  Preliminary data collection and findings have helped to shape some of the short-term mitigation strategies that have been put into place since 2020.

Some temporary restrictions have been put into place for the next few years while the conservation plan is still being finalized.  These changes align nicely with the available data to indicate these are key trouble spots that may make a big difference in outcomes.   They are only in effect for a couple of years on a trial basis for now.   These include:  

  • Elimination of 2-week post-season clean-up window, ensuring all gear is fully removed from water by August 14 of each season
  • 20% Reduction in late-season pot limits after May 1 of each season.
  • No pots allowed below 40 fathoms (240 feet) after May 1 of each season.

Here is the recording of her presentation:

Next Steps (and my opinion)

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is reviewing public comments of their recent draft conservation plan proposal.  This plan still assumes a number of deaths of whales and turtles by entanglement.  In my opinion, it doesn't go far enough to ensure the safety of these endangered species.   Our hope is that as more findings and research are available, the plan can continue to be refined with a goal of zero entanglements in Oregon.   The intent is not to cripple the crab fisheries, but rather to find solutions that will ensure safety while still allowing their commercial activities to occur.  Also, I would like to see these fisheries be held more accountable for any violations or actual entanglements with which they are associated to ensure further prevention plans are immediately implemented.

Behind the Scenes - The Artwork

This was not a topic I was especially well versed on, but with so much data and science to present, I first did my research and homework.  I sketched the components in several different ways before deciding on a layout and writing out the labels and titles and text.  I scanned the sketches, compiling them into the layout format, and then digitally coloring them.   I'll be going back to paintbrush for a bit to give myself a break from the screen!!

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