Net Entanglements of Baleen Whales in the Inshore Fishery of Newfoundland

This paper documents net entrapments of baleen whales in the inshore waters of Newfoundland and Labrador. The species involved are principally minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Finback whales (Balaenoptera physalus) are also caught in nets but fa...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada
Main Authors: Perkins, J. S., Beamish, P. C.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1979
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f79-075
http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/f79-075
Description
Summary:This paper documents net entrapments of baleen whales in the inshore waters of Newfoundland and Labrador. The species involved are principally minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Finback whales (Balaenoptera physalus) are also caught in nets but far less frequently. The timing of these entrapments corresponds with the spawning season for capelin (Mallotus villosus) on the beaches around the province. The magnitude and implications of this problem, both to the whales and the fisherman, are assessed. Key words: baleen whales, net entrapments, mortality assessment, capelin, Balaenoptera acutorostrata, B. physalus, Megaptera novaeangliae