Humpback whale Astroboy untangled from 140 metres of rope off Vancouver Island

The Fisheries Department officers successfully rescued an entangled humpback whale named Astroboy off Nanaimo, removing 140 meters of rope from its body. The rescue occurred after a whale watching company reported the entangled whale on Wednesday in the Strait of Georgia. The team attached a satellite tag to the fishing gear, which helped free the whale from the debris. Astroboy, a Hawaiian whale, migrates to British Columbia waters, illustrating the hazards posed by marine debris to wildlife. The Fisheries Department highlights the increasing problem of entanglements caused by discarded materials.

They urge the public to take preventive measures by cutting packing materials and ropes before disposal. This incident underscores the importance of community involvement in marine conservation efforts. Protecting marine mammals requires collective responsibility in managing waste and reducing debris in the ocean.