Oregon's commercial Dungeness crab fisheries are facing a fleet advisory due to a surge in whale entanglements. The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW) issued the advisory following a recent incident involving a humpback whale entangled in crab gear. This advisory, effective immediately, applies to all fisheries off the coast and will remain in place throughout the crab season unless superseded.
The advisory comes after a record high number of whale entanglements in 2024. Last year, Oregon's commercial crab gear led to four entanglements, affecting three humpback whales and one fin whale. Both species are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
The advisory urges crab fishing vessels to remain vigilant and keep their gear away from areas frequented by whales. However, Oceana, a marine conservation organization, considers the advisory insufficient. They advocate for a more comprehensive conservation plan that includes prohibiting conventional crab gear in high-risk areas and allowing whale-safe "pop-up" gear instead.
Oregon's record high whale entanglements align with national trends. Preliminary data indicates 34 incidents occurred along the West Coast in 2024, marking the highest number since 2018.