Tracking Whales by Satellite to Help Them Avoid Potentially Deadly Entanglements

Whales attracted to commercial fishing operations and other human activities can wind up in real trouble. A young Norwegian researcher is trying to help.

ImaGeo iconImaGeo
By Tom Yulsman
Mar 2, 2020 3:30 PMMar 2, 2020 5:03 PM
Whale Entagled in Fishing Gear
A whale entangled in fishing gear. This can impair a whale’s ability to find and eat food, to maneuver and swim, and even its ability to reproduce. (Credit: NOAA)

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We humans have a few things in common with whales. Among them: curiosity, and a taste for fish.

Unfortunately for whales, that commonality can get them into trouble. Thanks to their curiosity, they’ll explore and interact with things they find in the environment, including nets and other fishing gear. And whales that eat fish can become attracted to commercial fishing operations — with potentially deadly consequences.

A killer whale eyes fish captured in a net along the coast of Norway. (Credit: Evert Mul)
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