An unusually high number of orcas have tragically died this year after becoming entangled in fishing equipment off the coast of Alaska. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that nine orcas, also known as killer whales, have died in commercial fishing gear near the Aleutian Islands in the Bering Sea. This alarming increase in deaths may be linked to a “new behavior” exhibited by the orcas, as they have been observed feeding in front of fishing nets. Orcas are highly intelligent animals and opportunistic feeders, often taking advantage of human fishing activities for an easy meal. The NOAA is currently investigating the incidents to ascertain the cause of death and to determine the population these orcas belong to. The deaths are of great concern as orcas reproduce slowly, and it could have a significant impact on population numbers in the future. Efforts are being made by trade associations representing local fishers to find solutions to this pressing issue, including experimenting with gear modifications to prevent entanglements.
This image is property of th-thumbnailer.cdn-si-edu.com.
Introduction and Background Information
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), an unusually high number of orcas have died this year after getting caught in commercial fishing equipment off the Alaskan coast. This alarming increase in deaths, reported by a trade association representing local fishers, may be connected to a “new behavior” exhibited by the orcas. So far in 2023, nine orcas have died in groundfish trawl fisheries in the Bering Sea near the Aleutian Islands, with another orca becoming entangled but ultimately released alive. This brings the total number of “incidentally caught” orcas to ten. In comparison, only five orcas died or were seriously injured in the Bering Sea due to entanglement in fishing gear between 2016 and 2020. The NOAA is currently investigating these incidents to determine the cause of death and to conduct genetic testing to identify the population the orcas belong to. It is important to note that experts believe these orcas are not part of the critically endangered Southern Resident population off the Pacific Northwest coast.
Orcas as Opportunistic Feeders
Orcas, also known as killer whales, are opportunistic feeders that take advantage of human fishing activities to obtain an easy meal. These intelligent and social creatures can learn new behaviors from each other and have been known to exploit human fishing activities, such as snacking on fish caught on longlines. Once one orca figures out an opportunistic feeding technique, others can learn from watching and imitate the behavior. This may explain the increase in orcas near fishing vessels in Alaska this year. The orcas appear to be feeding in front of the nets while fishing, a behavior that has not been previously documented. Scientists are unsure why this change in behavior has occurred and are investigating its potential connection to the recent entanglements.
Increased Number of Deaths in 2023
The number of orca deaths in groundfish trawl fisheries in 2023 has significantly increased compared to previous years. Between 2016 and 2020, only five orcas died or were seriously injured in the Bering Sea due to entanglement in fishing gear. However, in the current year, nine orcas have already died and another became entangled but was released alive. This sudden increase in deaths led to an investigation by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to determine the cause. The investigation aims to confirm the cause of death, differentiate between orcas that were already dead before being caught, and conduct genetic testing to identify the population they belong to.
Investigation by Groundfish Forum
To further understand the recent orca deaths and their potential link to new behavior, the Groundfish Forum collaborated with marine biologist Hannah Myers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Myers spent a week aboard a fishing vessel in May, where she made observations and recordings. During her time there, approximately two dozen orcas appeared near the vessel and displayed a unique behavior. Certain pods of orcas targeted the vessel and stayed with it 24/7, suggesting a lucrative feeding behavior. Myers used an underwater microphone to record clicking sounds made by the orcas, which scientists believe may be connected to foraging behaviors. She observed the orcas following the net as the vessel towed it deep underwater and observed their presence at the surface during the retrieval of the nets. Additionally, Myers noticed orcas near discharge chutes, where fishers release accidentally caught prohibited species back into the water. The observations and recordings made by Myers provide valuable insight into the behavior of the orcas and potential factors contributing to the recent increase in entanglement deaths.
Potential Solutions
The Groundfish Forum is committed to finding solutions to protect orcas from entanglement deaths. One potential solution involves modifications to fishing gear to prevent whale entanglements. Vessels are experimenting with gear modifications that may deter whales from entering the nets. The collaboration between the Groundfish Forum and marine biologist Hannah Myers aims to identify effective strategies to prevent future entanglements and minimize harm to the orca population.
Concerns about Entanglement Deaths
The entanglement deaths of orcas raise concerns about the impact on the overall orca population. Orcas have a slow rate of reproduction, meaning that even a few mortalities can have significant effects on population numbers in the future. However, orcas have been observed to increase their breeding efforts in response to the deaths of pod members. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game highlights the importance of studying the reproductive behavior of killer whales to better understand their responses to mortality events. Much still needs to be learned about their reproductive behavior to inform conservation efforts and protect the orca population.
Global Orcas Population and Conservation
There are an estimated 50,000 orcas worldwide, with approximately 2,500 of them residing in the eastern North Pacific Ocean. The orcas in this region are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which requires vessel owners or operators to report any deaths or injuries of marine mammals, including orcas, that occur during their operations. The protection and conservation of orcas are crucial to maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems.
Review of Separate Incident
In addition to the deaths and entanglements in the Bering Sea, NOAA is also reviewing a separate incident that occurred on June 7. During a longline survey for sablefish and groundfish on the Central Bering Sea slope, an orca became entangled and died. This incident highlights the ongoing risk of fishing activities to the orca population and emphasizes the need for effective solutions to prevent future entanglements.
Conclusion
The increase in orca deaths due to entanglement in commercial fishing equipment near Alaska is a concerning issue. The collaboration between the Groundfish Forum and marine biologist Hannah Myers provides valuable insights into the behavior of the orcas and potential solutions to mitigate entanglement risks. Protecting and conserving the orca population is essential for maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. Finding effective solutions to prevent entanglement deaths is crucial in safeguarding the future of these magnificent creatures.
Additional Resources
For further information on orcas and related topics, Smithsonian offers articles and videos that provide extensive coverage and insight into the lives and conservation efforts of these remarkable animals. These resources can enhance understanding and awareness of the challenges faced by orcas in the marine environment.
