Don't Hook a Whale

Fishermen joke about hooking a whale, but this year it’s no joke.

Because menhaden and other baitfish are plentiful in the ocean this warm winter, fishers of all descriptions are out on the water.

Striped bass, the fishermen’s quest, as well as humpback whales, dolphin, gannets and pelicans are all feasting on menhaden.

Unfortunately sometimes whales surface in the middle of feeding frenzies and can get hooked by big striped bass lures without even trying.

The Virginia Aquarium recently sent these photos of a humpback with a lure in its back as well as a closeup of the lure called a “mojo” parachute lure.

“The major concern with this type of entanglement is not the hook, but the trailing monofilament which, depending on how much line is attached, may wrap around an animal's flippers or jaw and cause lacerations, loss of circulation and/or infection,” said Susan Barco, aquarium research coordinator and senior scientist.

Barco said it was extremely difficult to disentangle a whale from fishing line and in the case of this whale it would be impossible.

“Since so many fishers are operating vessels and deploying gear in the vicinity of whales,” Barco said, “the Virginia Aquarium asks for their cooperation in helping prevent further injury to any animals.”

NOAA Fisheries whale watching guidelines state that no intentional approaches should be made within 500 yards (1500 feet) of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, and within 100 yards (300 feet) of other whale species. For more information, visit http://www.nero.noaa.gov/prot_res/mmv/approach.html.

If boaters encounter an entangled whale, please maintain a safe distance while attempting to keep the animal in sight and call the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Team immediately at 757-385-7575.

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