Whale Fatality Likely Caused By Boat Propeller

Observation by Luke Williams

I was told a Sperm Whale washed ashore about 50 miles South of Haines. I was also told NOAA was already aware and on scene taking a sample. I called NOAA and they had told me it was hit by a big boat propeller.

Comments from LEO Editors:

KTVA journalist Chris Klint reports that the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) was spotted by a pilot on the east side of Lynn Canal on the north side of Berners Bay. NOAA biologists identified fractured vertebrae and a series of incisions that are consistent with a propeller slice. These findings indicate that the whale was struck by a ship the size of a barge or tugboat.

The news article points to two resources to provide more information on whale locations and habits. The Southeast Alaska Sperm Whale Avoidance Project, (SEASWAP) was created in 2003. The project was created in response to fisherman's observations that sperm whales were following longline fishing boats and taking sablefish off the gear. SEASWAP provides background information, research, and locations of sperm whales along the Pacific coast.

NOAA fisheries has a smartphone app to report whale sightings. The Alaska Whale Alert Smartphone App provides information to researchers about where whales may be feeding, and is a resource for boaters to avoid whale encounters. Erica Lujan