ODFW investigating entanglement of stranded young humpback whale that was euthanized
NEWPORT, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is helping investigate the entanglement in crab fishing gear of a young humpback whale stranded earlier this week near Yachats.
The whale was entangled in gear attributed by NOAA Fisheries to the Oregon commercial Dungeness crab fishery. Veterinarians from the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network humanely euthanized the whale on Monday after an unsuccessful attempt to free it.
Justin Ainsworth, ODFW's Marine Resources Program Manager, said the cause of the whale stranding is still being investigated.
"Whale entanglement has been at the forefront for us over the past few years. The stranding of this young whale over the weekend underscores the importance of the work we have been doing in partnership with Oregon's crab fleet to reduce the risk of entanglement," Ainsworth said.
A necropsy team was on site Tuesday to evaluate the health of the whale and better understand the factors that led to the stranding.
While NOAA Fisheries is the lead agency in an entanglement response, ODFW said it contributes to the entanglement investigation by conducting gear owner interviews and providing pertinent fishery information for entanglements involving Oregon fishing gear.
Through the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission, the crab fishery has funded Oregon State University research into understanding whale population distribution and overlap with the fishery. And whale experts report that West Coast humpback whale populations are growing around eight percent annually, leading to more overlap with crab gear.
ODFW has adopted multiple regulations to reduce risk of marine life entanglement in the commercial Dungeness crab fishery, including a 20 percent pot limit reduction and prohibiting crabbing outside of 40 fathoms during the late season, beginning May 1. Programs are also in place to remove lost Dungeness crab pots and minimize entanglement risk.
In 2026, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will be updated on commercial Dungeness crab fishery management issues, including a five-year review of entanglement risk reduction measures, Conservation Plan and Take Reduction Team status, and season opening considerations.
The Commission will be asked to consider new rules for the commercial Dungeness crab fishery, including electronic vessel monitoring, criteria for experimental permits for testing pop-up and longline gear, and potentially season opening criteria.
ODFW is working this week with the commercial crab industry and with California and Washington fishery managers to coordinate the opening of the commercial Dungeness crab season, which will be announced this Friday.
