July 8, 2020 — The following was released by the West Coast Seafood Processors Association:

Due to recent sightings of humpback whale aggregations on the inshore whale survey transects between Newport and North Bend and fishermen’s reports of humpbacks in the 25- to 50-fathom area between Seal Rock and Coos Bay, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is recommending all gear be moved to shallower water, preferably inside 25 fathoms.

Already, Oregon crab gear from this year’s fishing season was found in June on a dead juvenile humpback whale off of Point Reyes, Calif.

It is in the industry’s best interest to avoid whale entanglements.

Fishermen should also observe best practices to avoid whales, especially during these months of higher ESA-listed humpback and blue whales off Oregon. Those best practices include:

• Removing fishing gear not actively tended;
• Use the minimum amount of scope necessary to compensate for tides, currents and weather;
• Remove excess lines floating at the surface;
• Maintain gear to ensure lines and buoys are in good working condition and clearly marked;
• Remove all crab pots from the ocean by August 14;
• Bring derelict gear to shore in-season; and
• Consider participating in the post-season derelict gear program.