Entanglement has been identified as a major anthropogenic source of serious injury and mortality for large whales like the humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), which return to Hawaiian waters each season to breed, calve, and nurse their young.  Since 2002, the on-water community has found more than 110 different humpback whales entangled off Hawaii; however, the number is certainly much greater since many entanglements go unreported.  Some studies indicate that around 50% of the humpback whales in some areas of the North Pacific have been recently entangled.

Guest lecturer Edward Lyman has helped disentangle more than 100 whales and other marine animals over the past 23 years. He is the Large Whale Entanglement Response Coordinator, Natural Resources Protection Specialist for NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Working with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Protected Resources, he presently coordinates a community-based network to free humpback whales and other large whales from entangling gear. However, the use of trained, well-equipped, and authorized responders also increases public safety and helps gain valuable information that will continue to mitigate the threat and its broad impacts.

Come learn about this effort and how you can help!

NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Protected Resources Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program (MMHSRP) oversees large whale response efforts in the US. Due to the dangers for the animal, as well as, well-intentioned rescuers, only experienced, well-equipped, and authorized responders working under the MMHSRP’s permit are allowed to free whales from entangling gear.

The views expressed in this presentation are those of the speaker and do not constitute an endorsement by the Hawaii State Public Library System.

Program schedule is subject to change. Contact the library in advance to request a sign language interpreter or if special accommodations are needed.