Entanglements of large cetaceans in Peru: few records by high risk

Authors
Garcia-Godos, I., Waerebeek, K.V., Alfaro-Shigueto, J., Mangel, J.C.
Year
Journal/Publisher Name
Pacific Science
Volume (Issue #)
67
Contact information
ag_godos@yahoo.com
Summary

Entanglements of large cetaceans in fishing gear that occurred off the coast of Peru between 1992 and 2012 were catalogued. Direct observations, local news and online graphical evidence was used to identify any entanglements. A total of 15 confirmed entanglements were identified. The species involved in these entanglements included humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and Antarctic minke whale (Balaneoptera bonaerensis). The most common entanglements occurred in gillnets, followed by longlines. This study did not investigate the use of bycatch mitigation techniques.