A young humpback whale was rescued in Massachusetts last week after becoming entangled in hundreds of feet of fishing rope. The 30-foot whale was spotted east of Hull, Boston Harbor by fishermen, according to a press release from the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS).
The whale had bitten down on a buoy line, and then his tail and head became twisted in the rope. Being wrapped in the long rope would hinder his swimming abilities, thus making it extremely difficult for the whale to breathe and feed.
The Marine Animal Entanglement Response team, along with the CCS and the United States Coast Guard arrived, however the whale had already left. It was finally found southeast of where it had been originally spotted, and using a small inflatable boat, the rescuers used a hook to grip the fishing rope and worked to untangle it from the whale’s body.
When you watch the video below, check out the awesome underwater clips with the rope still wrapped around the whale’s tail. Finally, a cut to the rope, and the whale’s head and tail were free. Needless to report – he quickly swam away.
Sadly, fishing rope entanglement is a major issue. At times, whales resort to thrashing at the surface to try and free themselves. Because they are such curious animals, they may been investigating lobster and crab pots, longlines, gillnets or discarded and previously used nets and ropes. Some whales are unable to surface for air and drown. Others have been known to drag the nets and ropes which can eventually cut into their blubber and cause more harm.
What can be done to help the whales? Click here.
Check out the video:
https://www.facebook.com/centerforcoastalstudies/videos/419975610251185
(Video and photo via Center for Coastal Studies)
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