May 18, 2012 – Goal is to learn more about right whale numbers and assist entangled animals encountered
What if whale researchers aboard a NOAA research vessel off Cape Cod sight a whale entangled in line? Normally they would call it into the Northeast Disentanglement Program or just reach out for a disentanglement expert, who is along for the cruise. Both Jamison Smith, the program coordinator, and David Morin, his second in command, have been part of the research team for this sighting cruise. They were invited along to document and deal with any entangled animals if encountered.
The dangers associated with disentanglement work, require that responders be trained and authorized under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act in order to assist an entangled animal.