To: The Oregon State Legislature, Governor Tina Kotek, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
We, the undersigned, are demanding change after the tragic death of a young humpback whale whose story drew attention from around the globe.
On November 15th, 2025, a juvenile male humpback became entangled in a crab pot line north of Yachats. Despite the brave efforts of volunteers, local responders and stranding experts who rushed from Washington and California, weather conditions made a rescue impossible. The only humane option left was to euthanize this otherwise healthy, young whale.
This whale's death is not an isolated tragedy. It is a symptom of a preventable problem. Each year, whales migrating along the Oregon coast face a maze of crab pot lines. These lines can wrap around their flukes, fins, and mouths, leading to horrific injuries, starvation, and drowning.
According to NOAA's 2024 West Coast Region Report:
- Whale entanglements have been increasing since 2018
- 36 entanglement reports were confirmed in 2024
- Crab pots are the leading cause of entanglements
- 4 entanglements were confirmed in OR last year alone, including the fatality of an endangered fin whale due to crabbing gear
But there is a solution, and it's already working next door.
California, facing similar challenges, has taken decisive action. The state has invested significant financial and legislative support to help its crabbing industry transition to "ropeless" or "on-demand" fishing gear.
This innovative technology allows crab pots to be stored on the ocean floor without permanent buoy lines. Fishermen use an acoustic signal from a device on their boat to release a buoy or inflate a lift bag only when they are ready to retrieve their gear. This eliminates the "curtain of ropes" in the water column that are so deadly to whales.
And it works. The California Dungeness Crab fishing season has successfully proceeded using this whale-safe gear, proving that it is a viable, effective, and commercially sound alternative.
The Yachats humpback paid the price for our inaction. We cannot wait for the next whale to suffer the same fate.
We demand that the State of Oregon take immediate action to prevent further tragic and preventable whale deaths by:
1. Introducing Legislation: Pass a law that establishes a clear timeline and pathway for the phased adoption of whale-safe, ropeless crab pot technology in Oregon's commercial crabbing industry.
2. Providing Financial Support: Create a substantial state-funded grant and loan program to support Oregon's crab fishermen in transitioning to whale-safe, ropeless gear. The cost of new technology must not be a barrier for hardworking fishing families. California has set the precedent for state support; Oregon must do the same to ensure our fisheries remain both productive and sustainable.
3. Investing in Research & Training: Allocate funds to the ODFW and Oregon State University for continued research into the most effective and affordable ropeless systems, and to provide comprehensive training for fishermen on using this new gear.
This young humpback's death was preventable. We have the technology to stop this. We cannot stand by while our outdated fishing methods kill the very creatures that keep our oceans healthy. We owe it to the whales, to our fishing communities, and to the future of our planet to act. Please, stand with us to ensure no more whales needlessly suffer and die due to crab lines.
Sign this petition to tell Oregon's leaders it's time to switch to whale-safe gear.
