Whale watchers in Campbell River recently spotted a humpback whale that’s lost its tail because of entanglement.
The whale, missing its distinctive tail flukes, was spotted near the Discovery Islands on Wednesday by Anne McKinnell and Campbell River Whale Watching. It was spotted last week near Klemtu.
The Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) said in a social media post that rope or netting around the whale’s tail slowly cut into the skin, leading to the fluke being severed. The whale is emaciated because it cannot move and feed adequately.
Unfortunately, the society says, chances of survival for the whale, nicknamed Catalyst, are low.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada along with the whale watching community are now on the lookout for the injured whale. MERS recommends people keep at least 200 metres away from the whale, and hopes sharing its story will highlight the ongoing issue with humpback whales getting entangled in fishing gear. MERS says around half of all humpback whales show signs of scarring from entanglements.
MERS says boaters can help by staying alert for entanglements (from a distance) and by reporting any sightings immediately. MERS recommends spotters stay with the whale until someone can take over tracking. Spotters can call 1-800-465-4336 or use VHF Channel 16.
