LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Dungeness crab fishermen are entering into an unusual alliance with environmental groups and government agencies to reduce the number of whale entanglements off the California coast.
Reports of whale entanglements have spiked 400 percent since 2013 and much of the fishing gear that’s been recovered has been traced back to the Dungeness crab fishery.
About 30 whales were reported stuck in fishing gear in 2014 and more than 50 have been reported so far this year.
In past years, about 10 whales would be reported each year.
Experts say the changes could be caused by El Nino, which is driving whales closer to shore as they follow their prey into warmer waters.
The warming coastal waters are also shifting crabbing grounds into areas where more whales are congregating.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
