CALIFORNIA — The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) documented 95 confirmed large whale entanglements in U.S. waters in 2024. This is the highest total since tracking began in 2007 and above the long-term average of 71.

California accounted for 25% of all cases, the most of any state. 

Monterey Bay remained one of the nation’s hotspots, along with Massachusetts Bay, Cape Cod Bay, and Southeast Alaska. 

Humpbacks whales most affected

Humpbacks were the most frequently affected species, consistent with past years, while gray, fin, sperm, minke, bowhead, and the endangered North Atlantic right whale were also documented. 

Of the 95 whales, 87 were initially reported alive, though three later died.

Entanglements linked to fishing

Fishing gear remains the leading cause. Nearly half of all confirmed entanglements were directly tied to commercial or recreational fisheries, while the rest involved lines and buoys of unknown origin.

NOAA response teams fully disentangled 11 whales and partially freed several others. 

Many could not be reached due to remote locations or unsafe seas, and one whale died after members of the public attempted an unauthorized rescue. 

On the West Coast, response efforts were led by Entangled Whale Response of Orange County and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center under NOAA authorization.

How the public can help

Public reports remain critical. NOAA urges boaters, fishers, and beachgoers in California to report sightings by calling 877-SOS-WHALE (877-767-9425) or contacting the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16. 

Observers should keep a safe distance, note details such as gear type and whale behavior, and, if possible, provide photos or video to assist trained responders.

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