Northern Right Whales and Colored Ropes
By Alexandra Zimmer
In the New England area scientists are trying to figure out how to prevent northern right whales from becoming entangled in lobster ropes. Researchers know that whales can see fishing gear that is in the water, however, researchers are trying to find ways for the whales to avoid the gear altogether. The answer may just be as simple as changing the color of the lobster ropes.
Researchers are testing this by placing colored PVC pipe around the lines that the lobster pots are attached to. The whales have eyes that are adapted to the low light in the ocean, and can therefore be more sensitive to colors. For over three years researchers have been trying to find whether or not the whales have certain reactions to certain colors; the research is showing to be inconclusive that not all colors evoked the same reaction.
The study showed that the whales were most likely to respond to orange or red colors and less likely to respond to green and black colors. Whales see in black-and-white, and it is believed that the whales recognize these orange and red colors better is because the food that the whales eat matches the red and orange colors. Researchers are still conducting experiments to find out what the best method is to prevent these animals from entanglement.
In the New England area it is estimated that there are 450 northern right whales, and around 80% of the whales show evidence of having been entangled. Until the research is conclusive fisherman are continuing to use their old ropes and scientists are hoping that these whales are not entangling themselves in these ropes.