Nearly 1,000 dolphins and whales die every day due to fishing gear entanglement.
As the influence of fishing, whaling, netting and pleasure boating continues to expand, the danger to the mammals of the sea continues to grow.
A study published in the October 2012 journal Conservation Biology found that most large whale deaths over the past 40 years was cause by entanglement in fishing gear. [Yahoo News]
Captain Dave founded and organized Ocean Awareness Day in 2001 and organized Orange County’s first whale disentanglement group in 2008.
In 2010 a horrifically entangled gray whale, nicknamed Lily, made national headlines when she stranded herself side of Dana Point Harbor. Read more about Captain Dave’s hands-on experience disentangling Lily. To raise awareness Capt. Dave authored the award winning book, “Lily, A Gray Whale’s Odyssey”, a magnificent photographic journey of a gray whale’s migration. Shortly after the publication of his book, Captain Dave was involved in the rescue of another entangled whale, nicknamed Bart. Read more about Bart’s disentanglement and watch the dramatic rescue video below.
Capt. Dave is frequently called upon as a guest speaker and has been featured on the Ellen Show, CBS Morning News, and local network affiliates for his conservation efforts and his success in disentangling whales.
Visit seafoodwatch.org to learn how to make ocean-friendly seafood choices.