Scientists Warn Safeguards Fall Short After Sharp Rise In California Whale Entanglements

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) documented a sharp increase in whale entanglements off the coast of California in 2024, recording 95 incidents compared with 64 in 2023. Marine scientists and biologists warn that reduced resources and disrupted enforcement capacity could make 2025 an even more dangerous year for whales.

What Happened

According to reporting summarized by Phys.org, the rise in entanglements coincides with budget and staffing cuts and a federal government shutdown that affected NOAA's workforce. Experts say those disruptions have made it harder to enforce the Marine Mammal Protection Act and to maintain rescue and response capabilities.

"This report paints a clear picture: Our current safeguards are not enough," said Gib Brogan, a senior scientist at Oceana.

Why It Matters

When whales become entangled in plastic fishing nets, lines, and other gear, the material can wrap around mouths, bodies and tails, impairing feeding, buoyancy and swimming ability. Without timely response and trained crews, entangled animals face higher risk of injury and death.

Dr. Alissa Deming, Pacific Marine Mammal Center: "When it goes quiet, our nation's ability to protect marine animals and understand what's happening in our oceans is seriously compromised."

NOAA is the federal agency responsible for overseeing rescue crew training for marine mammal disentanglements, and experts say reduced capacity at NOAA limits national response and data-gathering efforts.

Broader Benefits And Climate Connection

Whales provide economic, cultural and ecological benefits, supporting tourism and coastal communities. Recent research cited by the United Nations Environment Programme estimates that a single whale may sequester roughly 36 tons of carbon dioxide over its lifetime, highlighting an additional climate value to whale conservation.

Recommended Responses

Conservation groups and agencies recommend a mix of immediate and longer-term actions: identify and map areas with high entanglement risk, remove derelict fishing gear, expand disentanglement training for responders, and increase funding and staffing for NOAA. Practical mitigation steps already in use include deploying drones for monitoring and enforcing boat speed limits in sensitive areas.

Biologist Dave Bader: "When we think about the solution to end species endangerment and protect biodiversity, we need NOAA at all stages to have robust support."

Experts urge policymakers and the public to prioritize investments that restore NOAA's enforcement and rescue capacity, accelerate removal of abandoned gear, and support community-based monitoring to reduce future entanglements.