The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has reported a notable decrease in whale entanglements for 2024, compared to the peak years of 2015 to 2018. This information was shared during the council's recent meeting, highlighting the ongoing efforts to monitor and manage marine wildlife interactions with fisheries.

Preliminary data indicates that confirmed entanglement reports for the West Coast were slightly higher than those from 2023 but still below the troubling levels seen in previous years. The council noted that habitat compression and high forage levels in nearshore waters likely contributed to the uptick in entanglements, particularly among humpback whales, which remain the most frequently reported species. While entanglements for humpbacks increased, reports for gray whales and killer whales showed a decline.

The implications of these findings are significant for local fisheries. The risk of whale entanglement has already led to restrictions on the Dungeness crab fishery along the West Coast in 2024, underscoring the delicate balance between marine conservation and fishing activities. As the council continues to address these challenges, stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant and adaptable to ensure both the protection of marine life and the sustainability of fishing practices.