How does climate change affect humpback whale entanglements?

Rising ocean temperatures linked to climate change cause habitat compression, forcing humpback whales into smaller feeding areas that overlap with fishing grounds, thus increasing entanglement risk.

What is the Habitat Compression Index?

The Habitat Compression Index is a tool developed by NOAA researchers that predicts ocean conditions and entanglement risks for humpback whales six to 12 months in advance.

Have humpback whale entanglements increased recently?

Yes, entanglements off the U.S. West Coast have significantly increased, tripling before 2014 and peaking during marine heatwaves in 2015-2016.

Home / Environment / Whale Entanglements Surge as Cold Waters Disappear

Whale Entanglements Surge as Cold Waters Disappear

26 Feb

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Summary

Rising ocean temperatures linked to habitat compression increase whale entanglement.
Entanglements off U.S. West Coast tripled before 2014, peaking in 2015-2016.
A new index predicts entanglement risk six to 12 months in advance.

Whale Entanglements Surge as Cold Waters Disappear

Humpback whales are encountering fishing gear more frequently in years with warmer ocean temperatures, according to new research. This warming causes habitat compression, pushing whales into smaller areas that often overlap with fishing grounds. Before 2014, fewer than 10 entanglements were reported annually off the U.S. West Coast. This number surged to 31 in 2024 and exceeded 40 during a marine heatwave in 2015 and 2016.

Scientists found that shrinking cold-water habitat was a more significant factor in entanglement risk than population increases. They developed a Habitat Compression Index to forecast ocean conditions and entanglement risks six to 12 months in advance. This tool is already being used in California to help manage fisheries and reduce interactions. Technological solutions like ropeless fishing gear are also being implemented.

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