CHARLESTON, S.C. (7 Apr 2004) -- Scientists working to cut fishing gear from the body of a rare right whale have lost their target after a fishing vessel accidentally cut the tracking device loose of the coast of Cape May, N.J. "We are standing down logistically," said Joanne Jarzobski of the Massachusetts-based Center for Coastal Studies, the nonprofit group leading the rescue operation. "We certainly are still planning in case the whale is seen." The tracking buoy contained radio and satellite transponders. It was recovered by the fishing vessel, which rescuers say did not come into direct contact with the yearling, dubbed Kingfisher by rescuers. The animal, one of only an estimated 350 North American right whales, is in danger because the fishing gear is pinning its flippers to its body. As its size increases from its current 34 feet, the gear will tighten around its body and likely kill the whale. | | NMFS scientists track entangled right whale before fishing vessel cut tracking device. Kingfisher was spotted off Jacksonville, Fla., in mid-March. Scientists worked off the Florida coast to free the whale but were unsuccessful and decided to try to sedate it. But as the whale moved up the coast, rough seas scuttled a rescue mission off the South Carolina coast and then the animal turned for the open sea. SOURCE - Sunkamap Times |
