Pilot Whales

Species
Globicephala spp.
IUCN Status
Data Deficient

Bycatch of pilot whales (short-finned) occurs in the pelagic longline fisheries targeting swordfish, tuna, and shark in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic.  There are also records of pilot whales (long and short-finned) being taken in gillnet, trawl, and purse seine fisheries. "Whale-safe" hooks are being tested in the longline fishery that aim to reduce pilot whale bycatch by allowing whales to straighten the hook, while being strong enough to retain target catch.   

Bycatch Threat
Longlines, gillnets, purse seines, trawls
Population
Unknown
Distribution
Short-finned pilot whales are circumglobal in temperate and tropical waters. Long-finned pilot whales occur in temperate and polar waters.
Type
Mammal