A heartbreaking discovery has been made off the coast of Washington state: a humpback whale with its tail fluke, the powerful muscle used for swimming and communication, completely torn off. This devastating injury, likely caused by entanglement in fishing lines or other debris, has left the whale struggling to survive.
The whale, nicknamed Catalyst, was first spotted on July 5th, and since then, it has traveled an astonishing 370 miles (600 kilometers), despite the significant loss. Experts from The Whale Museum have been tracking the whale, and their observations offer a glimpse into its struggle.
Despite the loss of its tail fluke, Catalyst has managed to swim using its pectoral fins to propel itself, but this method is inefficient and unsustainable in the long term. Without its powerful tail, the whale can’t forage effectively, and its chances of migrating to warmer waters are slim.
The Whale Museum’s lead responder and research director, Jessica Farrer, explained that the whale will likely rely on its peduncle, the muscle connecting the tail fluke to the body, to propel itself in a side-to-side motion. However, this method is not a long-term solution, and experts believe Catalyst will eventually succumb to exhaustion or starvation.
This incident highlights the devastating impact of human activities on marine life. Entanglement in fishing gear is a significant threat to whales globally, and it’s estimated that 300,000 whales die from this cause each year. This tragic situation serves as a stark reminder of the need for responsible fishing practices and increased efforts to protect whales from these threats.
While Catalyst’s fate remains uncertain, this heartbreaking case underscores the urgency to address the issue of marine debris and reduce the devastating impact it has on our oceans and its inhabitants.
