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A young humpback whale was caught in a crab pot right outside Glacier Bay National Park.
In a remarkable rescue effort just outside Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, Alaska, a young humpback whale entangled in a crab pot was freed. The whale, believed to be several years old, got caught in a 300-pound crab pot linked with 450 feet of heavy line around October 7. Local residents spotted the distressed animal near Gustavus dock on October 10, noticing its hindered movement and the trailing buoys.
Upon being alerted, Glacier Bay National Park Service and NOAA's Alaska Large Whale Entanglement Response teams sprang into action. With the assistance of whale biologists, they identified the creature and understood the complexity of its situation. Aboard the NPS patrol vessel Talus, trained responders set out to further assess the whale's condition. They discovered the whale swimming constrainedly, anchored intermittently by the crab pot.
The gear's owner clarified that the pot, placed near Pleasant Island, had been missing for about three days, indicating the whale's entrapment duration. Given the urgency and incoming adverse weather conditions, a rescue decision was promptly made.
Dr. Fred Sharpe, a renowned expert from the Alaska Whale Foundation, fortuitously was in the vicinity and agreed to spearhead the rescue alongside a dedicated team. Aerial imagery captured by drone pilot Sean Neilson played a pivotal role in deciphering the entanglement's intricacy. The imagery unveiled a heart-wrenching sight: the whale, essentially hog-tied, had a loop of line through its mouth connected to a mass of tangled lines at its tail.
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Despite its initial evasion, the rescue team persevered, utilizing specialized equipment to methodically cut the entangling lines. By the end of the day, the team successfully liberated the whale, allowing it to swim away unhindered. Subsequent identification revealed the whale to be SEAK-5490, a juvenile previously spotted in Southeast Alaska. The young whale, approximately 3-4 years old, was first documented by the Alaska Whale Foundation.
Understanding the identity of rescued whales is paramount, enabling researchers to monitor their survival and movements. Enthusiasts can track SEAK-5490's sightings on Happywhale.com.
For any sightings of distressed marine mammals in Alaska, individuals are urged to contact the 24-hour stranding hotline or the U.S. Coast Guard. Those keen on whale conservation can explore NOAA's online First Responder Training. Collaborative efforts are crucial for safeguarding our marine ecosystem.
Have you ever seen a whale in one of our national parks? Let me know in the comments!
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