Nationwide Whale Entanglements Totaled 76 Last Year
NOAA tracked 76 large whale entanglements in 2025, with fishing gear confirmed as a factor in nearly half of the cases.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Wildlife
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Data from NOAA shows that 76 large whale entanglements were recorded across the United States in 2025. This figure aligns closely with the long-term annual average for these maritime incidents.
Why it matters
These reports highlight the ongoing challenges large marine mammals face in U.S. waters. The data provides a clearer picture of how common entanglement remains relative to historical patterns.
Nationwide, 46% of all recorded cases involved fishing gear, while the Gulf of Maine saw six total entanglements. This regional figure includes four whales off the Maine coast and two others across New Hampshire and Massachusetts waters.
The players
NOAA
The federal agency tasked with the management and conservation of marine resources, including the protection of large whales in U.S. territorial waters.
The details
NOAA monitors these events through a combination of data collection and mapping reports to track interaction between large whales and human-made hazards. In the Gulf of Maine, specifically, identified species included two humpback whales, one minke whale, and one fin whale. The agency uses these findings to observe patterns in marine animal safety across diverse coastal habitats.
Timeline
2007-2024: The period used to calculate the long-term annual entanglement average of nearly 73 cases.
2025: The year during which 76 large whale entanglements were recorded nationwide.
The Home Front
This development updates the historical trend established by the NOAA large whale entanglement tracking dataset. It serves as a benchmark for understanding how current maritime activity aligns with multi-decade conservation data.
Coastal residents and recreational boaters should remain aware of local maritime warnings and report any sightings of distressed marine life to authorized responders. Never attempt to intervene or approach an entangled animal, as this requires specialized response teams.
The takeaway
Large whale entanglements continue to occur at a rate consistent with the last two decades of data. Residents near coastal waters can help by keeping a safe distance from marine animals and contacting local wildlife officials if they witness an animal in distress.
Further reading
For more information on how national agencies monitor local species and environmental risks, visit the Wildlife section.
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Do you support additional fishing restrictions to protect endangered whales in your area?
