Marine heatwaves disrupt California Current ecosystem, increasing whale entanglement risks

The surge in whale entanglements along the U.S. West Coast is a systemic consequence of climate-driven marine heatwaves, industrial fishing practices, and the marginalization of Indigenous and local ecological knowledge.

Historical overfishing has degraded the California Current ecosystem, forcing whales into new foraging grounds where they encounter more fishing gear. Cross-cultural perspectives from Japan and New Zealand demonstrate that traditional fishing methods can coexist with marine life, offering models for sustainable practices. Scientific evidence confirms that marine heatwaves disrupt prey availability, but current mitigation strategies often lack integration with ecological forecasting. To address this issue, fisheries policies must incorporate Indigenous knowledge, climate resilience planning, and gear modifications. By weaving together these dimensions, we can create a more just and ecologically sound marine conservation framework that protects both whales and the communities that depend on the ocean.