Dear colleagues

We are pleased to share with you our new publication where we present recent cases of entanglements (2016-2021)  for humpback whales in Colombia, South America:

Avila, I.C., Ortega, L.F. Isaza-Toro, E & E. Ángulo. 2022. Recent accidental entanglements of humpback whales in the Colombian Pacific. Aquatic Mammals 48 (4): 341-348. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1578/AM.48.4.2022.341


Abstract:
Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a migratory species that inhabits annually the waters of the Colombian Pacific for breeding. Accidental entanglement in fishing nets is a recurring threat to humpback whales globally. This study presents 14 recent cases (2016-2021) of accidental entanglements of humpback whales in the Colombian Pacific. Data was taken opportunistically during visits and stays in the area, and through information given from the local community and fishermen. We registered 14 entangled individuals, four of them were calves and 10 were adults. Most humpback entanglement cases involved surface gillnet gear, specifically trammel nets. Although these entanglement cases were sighted in Colombia, we cannot assure that these events occurred there, nor can we confirm whether the events occurred while fishing or in ghost-nets (ALDFG). Our results indicate that bycatch of humpback whales in Colombia has increased, and could be higher. This study highlights the importance of continuing monitoring whales and entanglements, and exalts the participation of the local community and environmental authorities as a primary source of information. In order to reduce this threat, it is recommended to move towards a fishery management that considers the migration times of whales and the use of technical methods to mitigate bycatch.

For additional information please contact me at: isabelc.avila@gmail.com

Best regards,
Isabel C. Avila

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Dr. Isabel Cristina Avila Jiménez
Marine Biologist PhD in Environmental Sciences
Research Associate of the Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research (ITAW), University of Hannover, Germany
Research member of the Animal Ecology group, Universidad del Valle, Colombia