A humpback whale is swimming free today, 10-22-09, because researchers from Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies disentangled the animal while on a research cruise in the southern part of Stellwagen Bank.
The 30-foot animal was sighted Wednesday when researchers on board the R/V Ibis noticed a moving fishing buoy nearby; soon after, the whale surfaced with 80 feet of line trailing from its mouth. “We always keep a grapple ready at the bow for just such occasions,” said Scott Landry, director of MAER for PCCS.
Rescuers acted quickly, throwing a grapple which caught the entangling line. A large buoy was also released by rescuers in an attempt to keep the animal at the surface. The whale dove for a few minutes and the large buoy popped up with all of the entangling gear in tow. Researchers continued to follow the whale for over an hour; documenting its condition. The team noted evidence of bloody wounds caused by the entanglement, but now gear free; the whale has a better chance of survival.