Oregon crab fishery faces scrutiny after record whale entanglements
Oregon’s commercial Dungeness crab fishery is under increasing pressure to address whale entanglements after a record-breaking four incidents in 2024, including one as recently as January 6th. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) has issued an advisory to crabbers, urging them to be vigilant and avoid setting gear in areas where whales are transiting or foraging; however, conservation groups like Oceana, a leading ocean conservation organization, criticized the advisory as inadequate and the voluntary measures are insufficient and they are calling for stronger, more decisive action. The ODFW advisory, while acknowledging the high number of entanglements, relies on voluntary compliance from the fishing fleet. It reminds crabbers to use best practices, such as minimizing surface gear, avoiding areas with high whale activity and promptly removing gear from the ocean. more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 14:51
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