Beginning in 2014 and lasting for roughly three years, we experienced an intense and natural marine heatwave which was named, “the Warm Blob.” It was huge, covering a large area of ocean, off NorCal, Oregon and Washington.
The unusually warm water temperatures of the blob attracted subtropical species rarely seen in the region. People caught tropical fish species like dorado (known in restaurants by the Hawaiian name mahi mahi), striped marlin and bluefin tuna.
These changes to the food chain affected whales, causing them to change feeding habits and forage areas. For example, krill (tiny shrimp like critters) that “humpies” usually feed on grew scarce in such warm water. The whales adapted and instead ate high concentrations of anchovy that the warm waters had squeezed into a narrow band along the coast.
That put whales smack into the area utilized by commercial and recreational crabbers bringing in valuable and highly desired Dungeness crab, and whale entanglements occurred where they were typically rare. Something needed to be done.
Some fishers changed location of their crab pots and continued moving them to avoid the problem. Others did not. Extreme environmental groups threatened lawsuits to shut down the fishery entirely, never mind the socioeconomic damage. Real and workable solutions were needed.
Our National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s Southwest Fisheries Science Center stepped in and studied the situation, giving us much of what we know now and better tools to manage future events. They also participated in an on-the-water team, which was trained to rush to the rescue of entangled whales.
Many crabbers changed their practices or location to accommodate the whales, and studies were launched by coordinated working groups to consider crab gear changes that could help reduce entanglements. Fisherfolks love whales, too, and most tried to help.
Facilitated conversations between crabbers, environmental groups and wildlife managers helped bring all sides together to engage in science- and solution-based work. It is wise to keep a level head when working on cooperative solutions.
Now we have a communication network in place, including those stakeholders. Rapid information sharing and response methods are in place for both whale rescue efforts and wildlife management. The ocean is a dynamic place and changes are expected. New challenges will arise. Now we are a bit more prepared to deal with those changes and challenges.
— Capt. David Bacon operates WaveWalker Charters and is president of SOFTIN Inc., a nonprofit organization providing seafaring opportunities for those in need. Visit softininc.blogspot.com to learn more about the organization and how you can help. Click here to read previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.
