Migration Perils: Entanglement From March 2002 Newsletter of Strawberry Isle Research Society The Gray's demanding 5,000-nautical-mile journey from the warm and calm breeding lagoons of Mexico is the longest migration made by any animal on earth. There are many in route perils faced by these leviathans: collision with large vessel traffic, oil spills, and Killer Whales; likely most dangerous of all is the threat of entanglement in commercial fishing gear. Nets are considered to be the greatest threat but, surprisingly, crab gear, though not a common occurrence, is a danger here in the Pacific Northwest. Almost every year Grays are reported fouled with as many as 3 crab trap float lines in their jaws and hitched around their bodies. Think about that for a minute. The animal is not only restricted by the entanglement of line but with three traps is also burdened with over 100 kilograms of steel. In January '99, Strawberry Isle Research Society hosted a disentanglement workshop. In attendance, along with our membership were representatives from the government departments of Fisheries, Transport and Parks. The outcome of this gathering was recognition of the threat and need for a coastal web of response teams that could be asked to deal with entanglement reports. On the spot it was recognized that our society would be the first recognized team. $1,400 has been raised for the purchase of entanglement response. Well, it took a couple of years and a lot of red tape but we are now in possession of an array of custom made cutters, knives and grapnels. Our next goal is to establish a team of volunteers who would be willing to attend practice sessions and respond to incidents. Interested? Call Rod Palm (725-2211) or Pete Schulze (726-5793). Cool heads and good physical condition are a must. Try This! Journaling Or Discussion Questions   Identify in the above paragraph: 4 dangers to migrating gray whales 1 danger unique to the Pacific Northwest 2 ways gray whales are harmed by crab trap float lines 1 thing Strawberry Isle Research Society is doing to help gray whales Discuss: Why are cool heads and good physical condition necessary for volunteers who are helping entangled whales? Name: What title would you give to this article? Copyright 2002 Journey North. All Rights Reserved. Please send all questions, comments, and suggestions to our feedback form