Washington among 4 states with highest rate of whale entanglements, report shows

'Whales are having one of the worst days of their life' on WA coast, again and again

In 2025, Washington was among four states where nearly 80% of reported whale entanglements occurred, according to a recent NOAA report.

WA among states with highest rate of whale entanglements

Across the Pacific coast, reports of large whales tangled in buoys, gillnets and other fishing equipment are increasing.

Washington among 4 states with highest rate of whale entanglements, report shows

Across the Pacific coast, reports of large whales tangled in buoys, gillnets and other fishing equipment are increasing.

Olympia is home to the only NOAA-authorized whale entanglement response team in the PNW

Across the Pacific coast, reports of large whales tangled in buoys, gillnets and other fishing equipment are increasing.  In 2025, Washington was among four states where nearly 80% of reported whale entanglements occurred, according to a recent report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  Of the Pacific coastal states with the most reports, California had the highest at 27.6%; Alaska had 23.7%; Hawaii, 15.8%; and Washington, 1…

Washington among 4 states with highest rate of whale entanglements, report shows • Washington State Standard

Across the Pacific coast, reports of large whales tangled in buoys, gillnets and other fishing equipment are increasing.  In 2025, Washington was among four states where nearly 80% of reported whale entanglements occurred, according to a recent report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  Of the Pacific coastal states with the most reports, California […]

Washington has high rate of whale entanglements, report shows

Washington state is home to the only team federally authorized to lead a full response to whale entanglement in the Pacific Northwest. (Photo courtesy of NOAA Fisheries/Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program)