Vessel-whale collisions are a significant concern in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Alaska, where nutrient-rich waters support a seasonal influx of humpback whales and other marine mammals.
As one of the most visited marine parks in Alaska, Glacier Bay sees a high volume of vessel traffic, including cruise ships, tour boats, and private craft.
Earlier this summer one of those vessels obviously ran into a humpback whale. Park officials say the whale, identified as #2583, was seen near Willoughby Island with a deep gash behind its dorsal fin. The injury, which may have been just hours old, appeared to be the result of contact with a propeller.
The gash was about 1 foot deep and exposed the blubber beneath the skin. Based on the size of the cut, it's estimated that whale was struck by a medium to large vessel in the water.
At the time park biologists reported that the whale was diving and appeared to be behaving normally.
On Sunday's podcast from the National Parks Traveler, Lynn Riddick reaches out to park biologist Chris Gabriele to discuss this incident and the park’s strategies to reduce whale collisions, including monitoring whale activity, warning systems and public education.
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