Printer Friendly Version - Something You Didn’t Know About Atlantic Right Whales

Entangled in vertical lines attached to commercial fishing gear, this Atlantic right whale is one of many experiencing this fate. Photo courtesy of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

One of the intricate aspects of marine species management is controlling the bycatch or the inadvertent catching of untargeted marine life forms. A critical tool used in that effort is the Bycatch Matrix, which, in part, is comprised of categories of gear, priorities within the species of concern, stock assessment needs, as well as fish and mammals considered important when managing the commercial fishery. Depending on how species are prioritized within the matrix, their ranking will ultimately be a determining factor in any funding that will be distributed among the various fisheries management partners up and down the Atlantic coast.

Protected species such as sea turtles, whales, dolphins, sharks, and tunas, as well as invertebrates of concern like lobsters, shrimp, and mollusks, are but some of the species that incur interactions with commercial gear (trawls, dredges, seines, gill nets, fish pots, traps), often resulting in injury or death. For example, the North Atlantic right whale, listed as endangered since 1970, is of concern and has been linked, surprisingly, to the lobster fishery.

Regulators are considering the removal of 40 percent of the vertical lobster trap lines that tie submerged traps below to buoys above. It has been documented that protected right whales have been entangled in those lines, causing an increase in mortality. Discussions taken place at the American Lobster Management Board of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission reflect the opinion that such action would be in the best interests of the lobster fishery, thereby preventing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from, perhaps, pronouncing it a threat to the whales.

There are now approximately only 400 of these whales remaining as a result of a changing habitat, interactions with ships, low reproduction, and becoming entwined with fishing lines. The consensus is that reducing the number of vertical lobster trap lines would be a far better option than the potential harsher restrictions placed on that part of the lobster industry associated with the North Atlantic right whale. Many feel the tighter restrictions placed by NOAA would create a greater negative economic and social impact, outweighing the alternative line reduction option.

The board will begin to review a regulatory process of how the lobster fishery can reduce its effect on the remaining right whales. It will include trap reductions, using weaker vertical lines to reduce entanglements, seasonal closures, and enforcing the over-fishing of trap limits that will include certain reporting enhancements regarding gear and usage. This is just one example of how important bycatch is and how it can effect the health of a species.

Listed and prioritized within the Bycatch Matrix are all commercially managed species, the gear and mesh size used to catch them, fishing areas, species of concern and primary species landed, along with other reported data from throughout the Atlantic coast. The matrix is constantly being updated and reworked by the Atlantic Coastal Cooperative Statistics Program Bycatch Prioritization Committee comprised of representatives of all Atlantic fisheries management states, commissions, councils, the NOAA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and other scientific and technical entities. Who would ever think a decline in a whale population would be related to lobsters? Interesting relationships definitely reveal themselves at our fisheries meetings.

Our ever-changing weather continues to play a role in when, where, and how we fish. This past week saw an unseasonably warm spell for February with air temperatures jumping from cold and blustery to warm with some rain and then ending with gale force winds. The high reached 55 degrees, before returning to more the seasonal 30-degree level. However, that will change as more seasonable weather approaches.

Ice remained tentative along the shoreline south of the I-95 corridor. There was still a good base in the colder sections of the state, although anglers proceeded with caution. Certain areas were definitely compromised by the warmth and rain, even though some previous snow cover provided insulation. The upper northern corners of the state were the best bets. Safety first!

The break in the weather did open the door for trout anglers. Water levels and flows eased a bit and, for those out stalking along the banks, there were fish to be caught. Streamer flies, small swimmers, and inline spinners were the best choices, although a grub or two also produced.

It was also a good week to try a few casts for holdover striped bass in the main tidal rivers. A weighted soft plastic such as a swimmer or twister were good choices to make. Keeping the presentation slow and low was key, as was patience. The Sound was relatively quiet with the exception of schools of baitfish, feeding gulls, and hungry harbor seals. The best time to catch a glimpse of the seals basking in the sun would be at low tide once have they fed and are digesting their meal of herring. Try scoping them out on a nearby island or rocky outcrop while beach combing.

Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and international fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.

For all things fishy including crabbing supplies, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better...

Atlantic right whales share habitat with those who people would least expect to cause them harm. Photo courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Campobello Whale Rescue Team