Some well-meaning members of the public may have removed some trailing gear and buoys from an entangled humpback whale that was reported off Niihau on Tuesday.
But that’s not necessarily a good thing.
“Officials warn that such intervention by unauthorized and untrained members of the public is extremely dangerous and not allowed,” said a press release from the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary on Thursday.
For the animal’s and human safety, federal law prohibits approaching any humpback whale within 100 yards or less in Hawaiian waters.
Only trained and well-equipped personnel are authorized under a NOAA Fisheries permit to mount responses, the release said.
The entangled whale was spotted several days ago carrying large gauge line wrapped around its body forward of the dorsal fin and very likely around its tail stock as well.
The line trails about 50 to 60 feet behind the animal, described as a sub-adult or adult humpback, measuring 30 to 40 feet in length. Most noticeable are the two red polyballs, or buoys, trailing behind the animal.
A preliminary investigation suggests the gear originated from Alaska, which means the whale likely carried it 2,000-plus miles to the Hawaiian Islands.
The Large Whale Entanglement Response Network was informed Thursday that well-meaning members of the public removed some of the gear and buoys.
“While the efforts may have helped the animal off Niihau, they may also do harm and impede removal of any remaining gear,” the release said. “Wraps of gear that remain behind are likely still lethal. In addition, removing trailing gear and buoys makes it difficult to re-locate the animal.”
An authorized response involves a boat-based technique that uses specialized tools to safely free the animal and at the same time gain valuable information toward reducing the threat for other animals in the future.
Report sightings of entangled or otherwise compromised whales to the NOAA Fisheries/ Marine Mammal Hotline at (888) 256-9840 , or the U.S. Coast Guard on channel 16.
