Good news: an entangled humpback whale was re-sighted 7.5 nm (nautical miles) NNE of Keahole Point, on the Kona coast of the Big Island on Tuesday, February 2, 2010. The animal was heading south at about 1.3 knots, with line appearing to be wrapped around the animal's head, possibly involving the mouth, and around the tailstock, according to Ed Lyman, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary’s Marine Mammal Response Manager.
The re-sighting is encouraging, as this whale was first reported on January 24, 2010. The yellow cylindrical buoy that was visible when it was first sighted is still attached and was riding along the left flank of the animal at the level of the dorsal fin.
The animal was reported by Doug Perrine and Julie Steelman, who attempted to standby and monitor the animal until trained responders Justin Viezbicke (HIHWNMS), Brent Carmen (DAR), and Steve Cotton (DAR) could arrive on scene and attach a telemetry buoy.
Mariners should not attempt to interact with entangled or distressed whales. Humpback whales are protected under the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act and National Marine Sanctuaries Act. It is illegal to come within 100 yards of a humpback whale.
Anyone who sees an entangled whale should contact NOAA’s Pacific Islands Region Marine Mammal Stranding & Entanglement Hotline at 888-256-9840, and stand by the entangled animal, if possible.
For more information, visit www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/health
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