Fishing Boats and Humpback Whales Entangled in San Francisco’s Waters

Fishing Boats and Humpback Whales Entangled in San Francisco's Waters

In the bustling tourist destination of San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, a small fleet of fishing boats operates beneath the surface. These boats might otherwise be catching crabs this time of year, but their waters are now shared with migrating endangered humpback whales.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that long lines of rope used by fishermen to pull up crab cages have entangled too many humpbacks since 2007. At least 922 humpback whales have been maimed or killed by these ropes since then.

Innovative Solutions

One fisherman, Brand Little, has found a way to avoid this problem. He uses a high-tech system involving a remote-controlled pop-up balloon-like device that signals the crab cage to head towards the ocean’s surface. This system limits how much rope is needed, thereby reducing the risk of entanglement for humpback whales.

California authorities have given Little permission to use this experimental device because it effectively reduces the risk of entanglement. The U.S. military developed this technology for deploying weapons and sensors from beneath sea level.

Little explained during an interview:

"What you’ve got to remember about fishermen – it’s just loss after loss after loss."

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