The lines entangling the whale were attached to the buoy from a crab trap, which carried a tag issued by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. NOAA Fisheries will work with WDFW to identify the owner of the trap to learn more about where the trap was located and where and for how long the whale was entangled.

Know how and where to set your traps, help protect other sea life.  Great article by Danielle Buenrostro, on crabbing on West Marines site.