NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS
 

JUNE 2020 

SOURCES OF HUMAN-RELATED INJURY AND MORTALITY FOR U.S. PACIFIC 

WEST COAST MARINE MAMMAL STOCK ASSESSMENTS, 2014-2018 

James V. Carretta1, Blair Delean2, Van Helker2, Marcia M. Muto2, Justin Greenman3, 

Kristin Wilkinson4, Dan Lawson3, Justin Viezbicke3, and Jason Jannot5 

1Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Division 

Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA, 

La Jolla, CA 92037. 

2Marine Mammal Laboratory 

Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA, 

Seattle, WA 98115. 

3Protected Resources Division 

NMFS West Coast Region, NOAA, 

Long Beach, CA, 90802. 

4Protected Resources Division 

NMFS West Coast Region, NOAA, 

Seattle, WA 98115. 

5Fishery Resource and Monitoring Division 

Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA, 

Seattle, WA 98112. 

NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-631 

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
 

National Marine Fisheries Service
 

Southwest Fisheries Science Center
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the NOAA Technical Memorandum series 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), organized in 1970, has 

evolved into an agency which establishes national policies and manages and conserves 

our oceanic, coastal, and atmospheric resources. An organizational element within 

NOAA, the Office of Fisheries is responsible for fisheries policy and the direction of the 

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). 

In addition to its formal publications, the NMFS uses the NOAA Technical Memorandum 

series to issue informal scientific and technical publications when complete formal review 

and editorial processing are not appropriate or feasible. Documents within this series, 

however, reflect sound professional work and may be referenced in the formal scientific 

and technical literature. 

SWFSC Technical Memorandums are available online at the following websites: 

SWFSC: https://swfsc.noaa.gov 

NOAA Repository: https://repository.library.noaa.gov/ 

NTIS National Technical Reports Library: https://ntrl.ntis.gov/NTRL/ 

Accessibility information 

NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center (SWFSC) is committed to making 

our publications and supporting electronic documents accessible to individuals of all 

abilities. The complexity of some of SWFSC's publications, information, data, and 

products may make access difficult for some. If you encounter material in this document 

that you cannot access or use, please contact us so that we may assist you. 

Phone: 858-546-7000 

Recommended citation 

James V. Carretta, Blair Delean, Van Helker, Marcia M. Muto, Justin Greenman, Kristin 

Wilkinson, Dan Lawson, Justin Viezbicke, and Jason Jannot. 2020. Sources of HumanRelated Injury and Mortality for U.S. Pacific West Coast Marine Mammal Stock Assessments, 

2014-2018, U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SWFSC631. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SOURCES OF HUMAN-RELATED INJURY AND MORTALITY FOR U.S. PACIFIC 

WEST COAST MARINE MAMMAL STOCK ASSESSMENTS, 2014-2018.
 

James V. Carretta1, Blair Delean2, Van Helker2, Marcia M. Muto2, Justin Greenman3, 

Kristin Wilkinson4, Dan Lawson3, Justin Viezbicke3, and Jason Jannot5
 

Summary 

The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) requires the National Marine Fisheries 

Service (NMFS) to document human-caused mortality, non-serious injury (NSI), and serious 

injury (SI) of marine mammals, as part of marine mammal stock assessments and to evaluate 

human-caused injury and mortality levels in the context of potential biological removal (PBR) 

levels under the MMPA (Wade 1998). NMFS defines SI as “any injury that will likely result in 

mortality”. While documenting mortality is straightforward, distinguishing NSI from SI requires 

data on injury severity and animal condition, often from challenging environments where thorough 

examination of animals is not always possible. NMFS updated its SI designation and reporting 

process in 2012, using guidance from previous SI workshops (Angliss and DeMaster 1998, 

Andersen et al. 2008), expert opinion, and analysis of historical injury cases to develop new criteria 

for distinguishing SI from NSI (NMFS 2012a, 2012b; NOAA 2012; Moore et al. 2013). 

This report contains human-caused injury and mortality records of pinnipeds and cetaceans 

that occur in U.S. west coast waters for the period 2014-2018, for those species evaluated in Pacific 

region marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs) (Carretta et al. 2016a). Mortality records, 

while included in this report, were not a part of the SI/NSI status evaluation that included only live 

and/or injured animals. Subsistence and directed takes (i.e., gray whales taken by Russian natives) 

are not reported here but are reported in SARs published by NMFS. Previous serious injury and 

mortality records, including cases from 2007 through 2017, are published in previous reports 

(Carretta et al. 2013, 2014, 2015b, 2016b, 2017, 2018, 2019). 

Sources of injury data include strandings, disentanglement networks, the public, 

researchers, and fishery observer programs. Stranding data include records of injured marine 

mammals at sea and ashore. Injury sources include, but are not limited to, vessel strikes, gillnet 

entanglement, pot and trap gear entanglement, shootings, marine debris entanglement, researchrelated injuries/deaths, hook and line fishery interactions, and entrainment in power plant water 

intakes. Most records originate from stranding networks in California, Oregon, and Washington, 

though a few Alaska records of Eastern North Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) and 

northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) are included, because these populations are 

assessed in the Pacific region SARs. Other marine mammals, such as Steller sea lions (Eumetopias 

jubatus), occur in California, Oregon, and Washington waters, but they are assessed in Alaska 

region SARs (Muto et al. 2019) and are not included in this report. Injury determinations for 

Pacific region species/stocks in the central Pacific from Hawaii westward are also included in 

separate reports (Bradford 2018). 

1

Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA, La Jolla, CA 92037.
 2

Marine Mammal Laboratory, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA, Seattle, WA 98115.
 3

Protected Resources Division, NMFS West Coast Region, NOAA, Long Beach, CA, 90802.
 4

Protected Resources Division, NMFS West Coast Region, NOAA, Seattle, WA 98115.
 5

Fishery Resource and Monitoring Division, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA, Seattle, WA 98112.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Methods 

The assessment of marine mammals for evidence of human-related injury or death requires 

application of systematic forensic protocols, combined with expertise in diagnosing trauma 

(Moore et al. 2013). Stranding network personnel may have varying regional standards for 

assessing causes of death and injury and thorough examination of carcasses or injured animals is 

not always possible. With respect to the uncertainties in determining whether injuries or deaths are 

human-related, we reviewed stranding records, including at-sea sightings, from NMFS West Coast 

and Alaska regional stranding networks. Those records with human-related causes of injury were 

evaluated using the SI/NSI criteria. Animals whose initial reporting condition was ‘dead’ were not 

evaluated for SI/NSI. Records of SI, NSI, and dead animals are included in Appendix 4 of this 

report. Different criteria for injury assessment are used for three taxonomic groups: pinnipeds, 

large whales, and small cetaceans (NMFS 2012b and Appendices 1-3). Injury determinations 

(excluding 673 records where an animal’s initial condition was ‘dead’) include 1,287 injury 

records from 2014-2018. Both initial and final injury determinations are given for each record. For 

example, a pinniped entangled in gillnet that is constricting or impeding movement is considered 

seriously injured. This animal may be captured, taken to a rehabilitation center, treated for injuries, 

and released back into the wild without serious injuries. In the context of categorizing commercial 

fisheries (based on levels of SI and mortality) for the NMFS List of Fisheries (LOF), this pinniped 

is considered seriously injured. This designation allows evaluation of fishery-specific risk to 

marine mammals, even though the pinniped was released back into the wild with non-serious 

injuries. Similar cases involve large whales entangled in fishing gear and subsequent 

disentanglement efforts. The whale’s injuries may initially be considered serious, especially if the 

entanglement restricts movement. Successful disentanglement of all gear from a whale without 

lingering evidence of an entanglement-related health decline or SI may be designated as a NSI. 

For purposes of the LOF, initial injury assessments are used in evaluating individual fisheries. In 

the context of assessing SI and mortality against PBR levels, the final injury assessment or 

condition is used. In cases where injured pinnipeds are transferred to public display facilities 

(aquaria) or U.S. Navy marine mammal programs following treatment, because their survival in 

the wild is questionable, the final injury determination is termed ‘captivity’, as the animal is 

permanently removed from the wild population. This is equivalent to a SI for the purposes of 

evaluating injuries against PBR. 

Most records contain a single anthropogenic source as the cause of injury or death, but 

animals may show signs of trauma from multiple sources. For example, pinnipeds may be 

entangled in gillnets and also show evidence of gunshot wounds. Where multiple causes of injury 

or death are reported by stranding coordinators we make an attempt to identify and categorize the 

primary cause of death for this report. 

Prorating of serious injuries (large whales only) 

Large whales offer the opportunity to track outcomes of human-caused injuries, due to the 

ability to recognize individuals over time. In addition to ‘NSI’ and ‘SI’ categories, a third category 

of prorated serious injury (‘SI prorate’) is used for large whales. Prorated SI categories are 

determined from large whale records where the outcome of the injury is known, based on a review 

of historical large whale injury cases (NMFS 2012b). For example, 25 vessel-strike cases involving 

large whales with known outcomes were reviewed and 13 (52%) resulted in a decline in health 

status or death of the animal (NMFS 2012b). These data are used to inform decision-making on 

current vessel-strike lacerations where the severity of the laceration (‘superficial’ versus ‘deep’) is 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

unknown and the vessel’s size and speed are unknown. For these cases, SI is prorated by 0.52 to 

reflect the known outcomes of the 25 cases with vessel-strike lacerations. For cases with sufficient 

vessel-strike injury details, other SI codes are applied. If a vessel-strike laceration is superficial 

and does not extend below the blubber layer, this is considered a NSI. If the laceration extends 

below the blubber layer (‘deep’), the whale is considered seriously injured (equivalent to a SI 

prorate value of 1.0). An example of calculating annual human-caused SI and mortality for large 

whales as part of the SAR process might include 10 documented vessel-strike lacerations of large 

whales of unknown severity, where the vessel’s size and speed are unknown. Ten large whales 

with lacerations of unknown severity are counted as 10 x 0.52 = 5.2 cases of SI. If one of these 

cases were confirmed as a deep laceration, then the calculation would be 9 x 0.52 = 4.7 + 1.0 = 5.7 

cases of SI. 

Results 

From 2014-2018, a total of 1,960 human-related injury (n=1,287) and mortality (n=673) 

records are summarized by anthropogenic source in Figure 1, Table 1, and Appendix 4. 

Approximately 70% of all records represent opportunistic reports of beach strandings and at-sea 

sightings, while the remaining 30% of records represent systematic/monitored observations, either 

fishery observer programs (n=363), monitored research-related activities (n=36), or authorized 

removals of pinnipeds from Bonneville Dam and Williamette Falls under MMPA Section 120 

(n=149). Pinnipeds (n=1,515) were the most commonly documented injured or killed taxon due to 

human-related activities, followed by large whales (n=292) and small cetaceans (n=153) (Tables 

2-6). Animals initially encountered alive accounted for 1,287 records, which were evaluated and 

assigned SI/NSI determinations, including 1,036 pinnipeds, 244 large whales, and 7 small 

cetaceans (Appendix 4, Tables 7a-c). 

The primary causes of pinniped injury and mortality were hook and line fishery interactions 

(n=286), shootings (n=195), authorized removals under MMPA Section 120 (n=149) ), oiled 

animals (n=134), harassment (n= 129), and marine debris entanglements (n=123) (Tables 3 and 6, 

Appendix 4). Pinniped injury and mortality records included California sea lions (Zalophus 

californianus) (n=1,102), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) (n=266), northern elephant seals 

(Mirounga angustirostris) (n=91), Guadalupe fur seals (Arctocephalus townsendi) (n=29), 

northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) (n=12), unidentified pinnipeds (n=11), and unidentified 

otariids (n=4) (Table 2). Many pinniped cases involve human intervention and treatment, either 

in the field or through capture and care at a rehabilitation facility. For those pinnipeds treated at 

rehabilitation facilities and subsequently released, it is assumed that they survived following 

treatment and their final injury assessments were NSI. An exception to this involves dependent 

pups that are released alone post-treatment, which are still considered to be serious injuries. 

Pinniped records lacking detail regarding whether the animal was released following rehabilitation 

facility care were determined to be seriously injured. Some pinnipeds were treated and released on 

site, and their final injury status was case-specific. A number of pinnipeds were euthanized as a 

result of their injuries (n= 148), while others were sent to public display facilities (n=11) because 

their existing post-treatment condition made survival in the wild unlikely or they were individuals 

targeted for removal to protect endangered salmon. Of the 1,515 pinniped injury and mortality 

records, 880 (58%) animals died as a result of their injuries. An additional 317 (21%) pinniped 

cases were assigned as serious injuries, likely to result in death. Increasing numbers of pinniped 

strandings in recent years have stretched the resources of rehabilitation facilities on the U.S. west 

coast and have limited the ability to track the outcome of every pinniped injury case. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of the 292 large whale records of human-caused injuries and mortalities, 50 whales were 

initially reported as dead and the remaining 244 were assessed for NSI/SI (Appendix 4, Tables 2, 

4, and 7b). The 50 large whale records involving animals found dead were represented by vessel 

strikes (n= 26), fishery-related entanglements (n= 21), entanglement in marine debris (n=1), illegal 

hunts (n=1), and one shooting record. Of the 244 large whales evaluated for NSI/SI, fishery-related 

entanglements (n= 226) were the most common cause of injury, followed by vessel strikes (n=14) 

and entanglement in marine debris (n=3). Large whale injury and mortality cases involved 

humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae, n=177), followed by gray whales (n=66), 

unidentified large whales (n=22), blue whales (B. musculus, n=12), fin whales (Balaenoptera 

physalus, n=11), minke whale (B. acutorostrata, n=2), Blainville’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon 

densirostris, n=1), and Baird’s beaked whale (Berardius bairdii, n=1). Previous editions of this 

report included a sei whale vessel strike record. That record is now omitted after review of the 

stranding narrative which indicated that a lack of hemorrhaging in the whale’s tissues supported a 

post-mortem vessel strike. 

Humpback whale injuries and mortality were most often reported from 

entanglements in pot/trap fisheries (n=87), followed by unidentified fishing gear (n=64), vessel 

strikes (n=13), and gillnet fisheries (n=8) (Appendix 4). Many humpback whale records involving 

unidentified fishing gear are likely to represent pot/trap fisheries, because they are the most 

commonly-identified source of entanglement for the species. Only 8 records of humpback gillnet 

entanglements were reported during this period, compared with 13 records for gray whales. 

Relatively few gillnet entanglements are reported for humpback whales compared with gray 

whales (Carretta et al. 2013, 2014, 2015b, 2016b, 2019). This may reflect multiple factors, 

including seasonal and spatial distribution differences between the two species along the U.S. west 

coast. The number of gillnets fished along the California coast is greatest in nearshore waters that 

overlap with the annual gray whale migration. Another factor may simply be that gray whales are 

nearly 10 times more abundant than humpback whales in this region, so one might expect greater 

numbers of gillnet interactions. 

Gray whales were most commonly observed entangled in unidentified fishing gear (n=21), 

followed by entangling net fisheries (n=16), pot/trap fisheries (n=14) and marine debris (n=2) 

(Appendix 4). Many of the unidentified fishing gear cases involving gray whales were likely 

pot/trap fisheries or entangling net fisheries, based on the percentages of known gear type records 

involving gray whales. In addition to entanglements, gray whales were killed or injured by vessel 

strikes (n=12) and one illegal hunt in 2017 (Appendix 4). 

Approximately one-quarter (59/244) of large whale injury cases involved human 

intervention to remove gear. The relatively low percentage of rescue attempts reflects that many 

entangled whales are seen only once and that adverse weather conditions often prohibit safe 

disentanglement attempts. Fourteen large whale records initially designated as SI resulted in a final 

injury status of NSI, the result of successful disentanglement efforts or the animal freeing itself of 

gear over time (Table 7b). Sixty large whale records with initial SI designations retained final 

injury designations of SI and 7 whales were later found dead (Table 7b). 

A total of 153 small cetacean records were reviewed but were rarely assessed for SI (n=7) 

because most were initially reported as dead (n=146). Mortality in gillnets, trawls, and unidentified 

fisheries accounted for >90% of small cetacean records, and approximately 45% of small cetacean 

records (n=70) were derived from systematic observer programs or monitored activities. Researchrelated entanglements of small cetaceans in scientific trawls or nets accounted for 22 records: all 

were Pacific white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens). Of the 22 Pacific white-sided 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

dolphin involved in scientific trawl operations, 21 were killed, and 1 was seriously-injured. Small 

cetaceans assessed for injury severity included long-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus 

capensis) (n=2), Pacific white-sided dolphin (n=1), striped dolphin (n=1), unidentified dolphin 

(n=1), unidentified common dolphin (Delphinus sp.) and harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) 

(n=1). (Table 2). Of the 7 small cetacean records assessed for injuries, 4 animals died, and 3 were 

determined to be serious injuries (Table 7c). 

Discussion 

Most records of human-related injuries and deaths to marine mammals represent 

opportunistic reports obtained from strandings and at-sea sightings. Stranding data should be 

considered as a minimum count of human-related injury and mortality because not all carcasses 

come ashore or are detected. Where evaluated, estimates of recovery rates of cetacean carcasses 

are consistently quite low (<1% to 33%) across different regions and species, highlighting that 

observed numbers underestimate true impacts (Kraus et al. 2005, Williams et al. 2011, Prado et 

al. 2013), even for extremely coastal species (Wells et al. 2015, Carretta et al. 2016c). Not all 

human-related impacts are represented in this report, such as military sonars and other 

anthropogenic sounds that may impact beaked whales and whose effects would be difficult to 

recognize unless affected animals stranded (Cox et al. 2006). 

Variability in the assessment and determination of human-related injuries and mortality by 

responder or region is an unavoidable situation because regional data-recording standards may 

differ and the ability to thoroughly examine animals may be compromised by weather or 

accessibility to carcasses (Moore et al. 2013). We have made an effort to review only records that 

have unequivocal or probable human-related impacts and recognize that some cases may be missed 

because of a failure to recognize human-caused injuries and deaths. 

Some serious injuries and deaths attributed to marine debris involve derelict fishing gear 

that cannot be linked to a specific fishery. In some cases, fishing gear originates from outside of 

U.S. waters (for example, three northern fur seals were found dead in netting of Chinese origin in 

2009, Carretta et al. 2014). Impacts of commercial gillnet, pot, and trap fisheries are likely greater 

than the number of observations because derelict gear may entangle new animals for long periods. 

Explicit examples include ghost netting that contained harbor seal carcasses of varying states of 

decomposition, evidence that the net had entangled animals over a long time period (Carretta et 

al. 2013, 2014, 2015b, 2016b). 

A small percentage of pinnipeds died after an initial injury assessment of NSI. Nearly all 

of these animals died during treatment in rehabilitation facilities, with hook-related injuries that 

appeared superficial (hooks in flippers and/or lip). Post-mortem examinations often revealed 

causes of death that were unrelated to the visible injury. For example, a California sea lion with a 

hook in its back was found during necropsy to have sharp fragments of plastic in its stomach. Other 

cases involved bullets found post-mortem or hooks in the esophagus/stomach, which were not 

suspected during the initial external examination. 

Acknowledgments 

Many of the records in this report are made possible by those who devote their time to 

rescue and aid marine mammals in the wild. We would like to thank the fishery observers, 

academic researchers, disentanglement and stranding network personnel, vessel skippers, and 

members of the public for their reports on dead and injured marine mammals. Thanks to Allison 

Henry, Karin Forney, Blair Delean, Nancy Young and the Pacific Scientific Review Group for 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

reviewing our serious injury cases. We also thank Lauren Saez for reviews and improvements to 

the large whale entanglement database. 

References 

Andersen, M.S., K.A. Forney, T.V.N. Cole, T. Eagle, R. Angliss, K. Long, L. Barre, L. Van Atta, 

D. Borggaard, T. Rowles, B. Norberg, J. Whaley, and L. Engleby. 2008. Differentiating 

serious and non-serious injury of marine mammals: report of the serious injury technical 

workshop, 10-13 September 2007, Seattle, Washington. U.S. Department of Commerce, 

NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-39, 94 p. 

Angliss, R.P., and D.P. DeMaster. 1998. Differentiating serious and non-serious injury of marine 

mammals taken incidental to commercial fishing operations. U.S. Department of 

Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-OPR-13, 48 p. 

Bradford, A., and K.A. Forney. 2018. Injury determinations for cetaceans observed interacting 

with Hawaii and American Samoa longline fisheries during 2017. U.S. Department of 

Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFSPIFSC-76. https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/19577 

Carretta, J.V., S.M. Wilkin, M.M. Muto, and K. Wilkinson. 2013. Sources of human-related injury 

and mortality for U.S. Pacific west coast marine mammal stock assessments, 2007-2011. 

U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SWFSC-514, 83 

p. 

Carretta, J.V., S.M. Wilkin, M.M. Muto, K. Wilkinson, and J. Rusin. 2014. Sources of humanrelated injury and mortality for U.S. Pacific west coast marine mammal stock assessments, 

2008-2012. U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum, NMFSSWFSC-533, 10 p. 

Carretta, J.V., M.M. Muto, S. Wilkin, J. Greenman, K. Wilkinson, M. DeAngelis, J. Viezbicke, D. 

Lawson, J. Rusin, and J. Jannot. 2015b. Sources of human-related injury and mortality for 

U.S. Pacific west coast marine mammal stock assessments, 2009-2013. U.S. Department 

of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SWFSC-548, 108 p. 

Carretta, J.V., E.M. Oleson, J. Baker, D.W. Weller, A.R. Lang, K.A. Forney, M.M. Muto, B. 

Hanson, A.J. Orr, H. Huber, M.S. Lowry, J. Barlow, J.E. Moore, D. Lynch, L. Carswell, 

and R.L. Brownell Jr. 2016a. U.S. Pacific marine mammal stock assessments: 2015. U.S. 

Department of Commerce, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SWFSC-561, 419 p. 

Carretta, J.V., M.M. Muto, S. Wilkin, J. Greenman, K. Wilkinson, M. DeAngelis, J. Viezbicke, 

and J. Jannot. 2016b. Sources of human-related injury and mortality for U.S. Pacific west 

coast marine mammal stock assessments, 2010-2014. U.S. Department of Commerce, 

NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-SWFSC-554, 102 p. 

Carretta, J.V., K. Danil, S.J. Chivers, D.W. Weller, D.S. Janiger, M. Berman‐Kowalewski, K.M. 

Hernandez, J.T. Harvey, R.C. Dunkin, D.R. Casper, S. Stoudt, M. Flannery, K. Wilkinson, 

J. Huggins, and D.M. Lambourn. 2016c. Recovery rates of bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops 

truncatus) carcasses estimated from stranding and survival rate data. Marine Mammal 

Science 32(1):349-362. 

Carretta, J.V., M.M. Muto, J. Greenman, K. Wilkinson, D. Lawson, J. Viezbicke, and J. Jannot. 

2017. Sources of human-related injury and mortality for U.S. Pacific west coast marine 

mammal stock assessments, 2011-2015. U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA Technical 

Memorandum, NOAA-TM-NMFS-SWFSC-579. 126 p. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Carretta, J.V., V. Helker, M.M. Muto, J. Greenman, K. Wilkinson, D. Lawson, J. Viezbicke, and 

J. Jannot. 2018. Sources of human-related injury and mortality for U.S. Pacific west coast 

marine mammal stock assessments, 2012-2016. Document PSRG-2018-06 reviewed by the 

Pacific Scientific Review Group, March 2018, La Jolla, CA. 

Carretta J.V., V. Helker, M.M. Muto, J. Greenman, K.Wilkinson, D. Lawson, J. Viezbicke, and J. 

Jannot. 2019. Sources of Human-related Injury and Mortality for U.S. Pacific West Coast 

Marine Mammal Stock Assessments, 2013-2017. U.S. Department of Commerce, NOAA 

Technical Memorandum NMFS-SWFSC-616. 150 p. 

Cox, T.M., T.J. Ragen, A.J. Read, E. Vos, R.W. Baird, K. Balcomb, J. Barlow, J. Caldwell, T. 

Cranford, L. Crum, A. D’Amico, G. D’Spain, A. Fernández, J. Finneran, R. Gentry, W. 

Gerth, F. Gulland, J. Hildebrand, D. Houser, T. Hullar, P.D. Jepson, D. Ketten, C.D. 

MacLeod, P. Miller, S. Moore, D.C. Mountain, D. Palka, P. Ponganis, S. Rommel, T. 

Rowles, B. Taylor, P. Tyack, D. Wartzok, R. Gisiner, J. Mead, and L. Benner. 2006. 

Understanding the impacts of anthropogenic sound on beaked whales. Journal of Cetacean 

Research and Management 7:177–187. 

Kraus, S.D., M.W. Brown, H. Caswell, C.W. Clark, M. Fujiwara, P.K. Hamilton, R.D. Kenney, 

A.R. Knowlton, S. Landry, C.A. Mayo, W.A. McLellan, M.J. Moore, D.P. Nowacek, D.A. 

Pabst, A.J. Read, and R.M. Rolland. 2005. North Atlantic right whales in crisis. Science 

309:561-562. 

Moore, M.J., J. van der Hoop, S.G. Barco, A.M. Costidis, F.M. Gulland, P.D. Jepson, K.T. Moore, 

S. Raverty, and W.A. McLellan. 2013. Criteria and case definitions for serious injury and 

death of pinnipeds and cetaceans caused by anthropogenic trauma. Diseases of Aquatic 

Organisms 103(3):229-264. 

Muto, M.M., Helker, V.T., Angliss, R.P., Boveng, P.L., Breiwick, J.M., Cameron, M.F., Clapham, 

P., Dahle, S.P., Dahlheim, M.E., Fadely, B.S. and Ferguson, M.C., 2019. Alaska Marine 

Mammal Stock Assessments, 2018. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-AFSC-393. 

National Marine Fisheries Service. 2012a. National Marine Fisheries Service Policy Directive 02­

238. Process for distinguishing serious from non-serious injury of marine mammals. 4 p. 

National Marine Fisheries Service. 2012b. National Marine Fisheries Service Instruction 02-238­

01. Process for injury determinations. 42 p. 

NOAA. 2012. Federal Register 77:3233. National Policy for Distinguishing Serious From NonSerious Injuries of Marine Mammals. 

Perrin, W.F., J.L. Thieleking, W.A. Walker, F.A. Archer, and K.M. Robertson. 2011. Common 

bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in California waters: cranial differentiation of 

coastal and offshore ecotypes. Marine Mammal Science 27(4):769–792. 

Prado, J.H.F., E.R. Secchi, and P.G. Kinas. 2013. Mark-recapture of the endangered franciscana 

dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) killed in gillnet fisheries to estimate past bycatch from 

time series of stranded carcasses in southern Brazil. Ecological Indicators 32:35-41. 

Wade, P.R. 1998. Calculating limits to the allowable human-caused mortality of cetaceans and 

pinnipeds. Marine Mammal Science 14:1-37. 

Wells, R.S., J.B. Allen, G. Lovewell, J. Gorzelany, R.E. Delynn, D.A. Fauquier, and N.B. Barros. 

2015. Carcass-recovery rates for resident bottlenose dolphins in Sarasota Bay, Florida. 

Marine Mammal Science 31:355-368. 
 

Williams, R., S. Gero, L. Bejder, J. Calambokidis, S.D. Kraus, D. Lusseau, A.J. Read, and J. 

Robbins. 2011. Underestimating the damage: interpreting cetacean carcass recoveries in 

the context of the Deepwater Horizon/BP incident. Conservation Letters 4:228-233. 
Figure 1. Leading causes of human-caused serious injury and mortality ofmarine mammals 

summarized in this report, 2014-2018. 
Table 1 (page 1 of 2). Sources of human−caused injury and mortality to marine mammals, 2014−2018. 

SOURCE OF HUMAN−CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR MORTALITY NUMBER CUMULATIVE PERCENT OF TOTAL
 

HOOK AND LINE FISHERY 289 15 

SHOOTING 196 25 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY INTERACTION 184 34 

AUTHORIZED REMOVAL 149 42 

GILLNET FISHERY 148 49 

OIL / TAR 

HARASSMENT 

134 

129 

56 

63 

MARINE DEBRIS 128 69 

CATCHER PROCESSOR MIDWATER TRAWL 104 75 

VESSEL STRIKE 73 78 

CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL 51 81 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET FISHERY 49 83 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY (CALIFORNIA) 

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 

45

36

86 

88 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY 29 89 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT BOTTOM TRAWL 

29

27

90 

92 

MS CATCHER VESSELS MIDWATER TRAWL 20 93 

LIMITED ENTRY SABLEFISH HOOK AND LINE 13 94 

CATCH SHARES HOOK AND LINE 12 94 

DOG ATTACK 12 95 

HAWAII LONGLINE SHALLOW SET FISHERY 11 95 

CA SPOT PRAWN TRAP FISHERY 10 96 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY (WASHINGTON) 

UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN INTERACTION 

10

10

96 

97 

UNIDENTIFIED NET FISHERY 10 97 

VEHICLE COLLISION 6 98 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY (OREGON) 4 98 
Table 1 (page 2 of 2). Sources of human−caused injury and mortality to marine mammals, 2014−2018. 

SOURCE OF HUMAN−CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR MORTALITY NUMBER CUMULATIVE PERCENT OF TOTAL
 

HOOK & LINE FISHERY
 4 98


ENTRAPMENT
 3 98


GILLNET FISHERY (TRIBAL)
 

TRAWL FISHERY (UNKNOWN)
 

WA/OR/CA SABLEFISH POT FISHERY
 

BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA
 

3 

3 

3 

2 

98


99


99


99


DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY (RECREATIONAL)
 

RIDGEBACK PRAWN BOTTOM TRAWL
 

2 

2 

99


99


AT−SEA HAKE PELAGIC TRAWL
 1 99


BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ATKA MACKEREL TRAWL
 1 99


DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY
 1 99


DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY (COMMERCIAL)
 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT WASHINGTON TRIBAL
 

1 

1 

99


99


GAFF INJURY
 1 99


GULF OF ALASKA PACIFIC COD LONGLINE
 1 99


GULF OF ALASKA SABLEFISH LONGLINE
 1 99


ILLEGAL HUNT
 1 99


LOBSTER TRAP ENTANGLEMENT
 1 99
 

MIDWATER TRAWL ROCKFISH EM
 1 100
 

NEARSHORE HOOK AND LINE
 1 100
 

POWER PLANT ENTRAINMENT
 1 100
 

SALMON GILLNET FISHERY
 1 100
 

SEAL BOMB
 1 100
 

SET GILLNET FISHERY INTERACTION
 1 100
 

SHORESIDE HAKE MIDWATER TRAWL
 1 100
 

SPEARING
 1 100
 

SPOT PRAWN TRAP/POT FISHERY (RECREATIONAL)
 

WA/OR/CA SABLEFISH POT FISHERY AND CA/OR COONSTRIPE SHRIMP POT
 

1 

1

100
 

100
 
Table 2. Final serious injury and mortality designations by species, 2014−2018. 

CAPTIVITY DEAD NSI SI SI (PRORATE) 

BAIRD'S BEAKED WHALE 0 1 0 0 0 

BLAINVILLE'S BEAKED WHALE 0 1 0 0 0 

BLUE WHALE 0 3 0 2 7 

BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN 0 1 0 0 0 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 11 658 255 178 0 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG−BEAKED 0 28 0 0 0 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT−BEAKED 0 32 0 0 0 

COMMON DOLPHIN, UNIDENTIFIED 0 0 0 1 0 

DALL'S PORPOISE 0 2 0 0 0 

FIN WHALE 0 8 0 3 0 

GRAY WHALE 0 19 3 13 31 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL 0 16 7 6 0 

HARBOR PORPOISE 0 44 0 0 0 

HARBOR SEAL 0 164 24 75 0 

HUMPBACK WHALE 0 20 30 42 85 

MINKE WHALE 0 2 0 0 0 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 0 32 24 35 0 

NORTHERN FUR SEAL 0 8 2 2 0 

NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE DOLPHIN 0 5 0 0 0 

PACIFIC WHITE−SIDED DOLPHIN 0 28 0 1 0 

RISSO'S DOLPHIN 0 1 0 0 0 

SHORT−FINNED PILOT WHALE 0 2 0 0 0 

STRIPED DOLPHIN 0 5 0 0 0 

UNIDENTIFIED DOLPHIN 0 2 0 1 0 

UNIDENTIFIED OTARIID 0 1 0 3 0 

UNIDENTIFIED PINNIPED 0 1 7 3 0 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE 0 1 0 1 20
 
Table 3 (page 1 of 2). Sources of human−caused injury and mortality of pinnipeds, 2014−2018. 

SOURCE OF HUMAN−CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR MORTALITY NUMBER CUMULATIVE PERCENT OF TOTAL
 

HOOK AND LINE FISHERY 286 19 

SHOOTING 195 32 

AUTHORIZED REMOVAL 149 42 

OIL / TAR 134 50 

HARASSMENT 129 59 

MARINE DEBRIS 123 67 

CATCHER PROCESSOR MIDWATER TRAWL 101 74 

GILLNET FISHERY 95 80 

CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL 47 83 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY INTERACTION 39 86 

VESSEL STRIKE 30 88 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT BOTTOM TRAWL 27 89 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY 24 91 

MS CATCHER VESSELS MIDWATER TRAWL 20 92 

LIMITED ENTRY SABLEFISH HOOK AND LINE 13 93 

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 13 94 

CATCH SHARES HOOK AND LINE 12 95 

DOG ATTACK 12 96 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET FISHERY 11 96 

HAWAII LONGLINE SHALLOW SET FISHERY 11 97 
Table 3 (page 2 of 2). Sources of human−caused injury and mortality of pinnipeds, 2014−2018. 

SOURCE OF HUMAN−CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR MORTALITY NUMBER CUMULATIVE PERCENT OF TOTAL
 

UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN INTERACTION 10 98


VEHICLE COLLISION 6 98


HOOK & LINE FISHERY 4 98


ENTRAPMENT 3 99


TRAWL FISHERY (UNKNOWN) 3 99


BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA 2 99


RIDGEBACK PRAWN BOTTOM TRAWL 2 99


AT−SEA HAKE PELAGIC TRAWL 1 99


BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN ISLANDS ATKA MACKEREL TRAWL 1 99


GAFF INJURY 1 99


GULF OF ALASKA PACIFIC COD LONGLINE 1 99


GULF OF ALASKA SABLEFISH LONGLINE 1 99


MIDWATER TRAWL ROCKFISH EM 1 99
 

NEARSHORE HOOK AND LINE 1 100
 

POWER PLANT ENTRAINMENT 1 100
 

SEAL BOMB 1 100
 

SET GILLNET FISHERY INTERACTION 1 100
 

SHORESIDE HAKE MIDWATER TRAWL 1 100
 

SPEARING 1 100
 

UNIDENTIFIED NET FISHERY 1 100
 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT 1
 100
Table 4. Sources of human−caused injury and mortality of large whales, 2014−2018. 

SOURCE OF HUMAN−CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR MORTALITY NUMBER CUMULATIVE PERCENT OF TOTAL
 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY INTERACTION 110
 38


DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY (CALIFORNIA) 

VESSEL STRIKE 

45


40


 53


 67


UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT 

GILLNET FISHERY 

28


23

 76


 84


DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY (WASHINGTON) 

CA SPOT PRAWN TRAP FISHERY 

10

8

 88


 90


DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY (OREGON) 

MARINE DEBRIS 

4

4

 92


 93


GILLNET FISHERY (TRIBAL) 

WA/OR/CA SABLEFISH POT FISHERY 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY (RECREATIONAL) 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY 

3

3

2

1

 94


 95


 96


 96


CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET FISHERY 1 97


DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 1 97


DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY (COMMERCIAL) 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT WASHINGTON TRIBAL 

1

1

 97


 98


ILLEGAL HUNT 1 98


LOBSTER TRAP ENTANGLEMENT 1 98


SALMON GILLNET FISHERY 1
 99


SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 1
 99


SHOOTING 1
 99 

SPOT PRAWN TRAP/POT FISHERY (RECREATIONAL) 

WA/OR/CA SABLEFISH POT FISHERY AND CA/OR COONSTRIPE SHRIMP POT 

1

1

100 

100 
Table 5. Sources of human−caused injury and mortality of small cetaceans, 2014−2018. 

SOURCE OF HUMAN−CAUSED SERIOUS INJURY OR MORTALITY NUMBER CUMULATIVE PERCENT OF TOTAL
 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET FISHERY 37 24


UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY INTERACTION 35 47


GILLNET FISHERY 30 67


SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 22 81


UNIDENTIFIED NET FISHERY 9 87


CA HALIBUT AND WHITE SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY 4 90


CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL 4 92


CATCHER PROCESSOR MIDWATER TRAWL 3 94


HOOK AND LINE FISHERY 3 96


VESSEL STRIKE 3 98


CA SPOT PRAWN TRAP FISHERY 2 99
 

MARINE DEBRIS 1 100
 
Table 6. Leading causes of observed human−caused injury and mortality by species, 2014−2018. 

SPECIES SOURCE OF INJURY/MORTALITY NUMBER OF RECORDS 

BAIRD'S BEAKED WHALE VESSEL STRIKE 1

BLAINVILLE'S BEAKED WHALE GILLNET FISHERY 1

BLUE WHALE UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY INTERACTION 5

BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET FISHERY 1 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION HOOK AND LINE FISHERY 271

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG−BEAKED GILLNET FISHERY 11

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT−BEAKED CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET FISHERY 28

COMMON DOLPHIN, UNIDENTIFIED MARINE DEBRIS 1

DALL'S PORPOISE CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET FISHERY 1

FIN WHALE VESSEL STRIKE 8

GRAY WHALE UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY INTERACTION 21

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MARINE DEBRIS 15

HARBOR PORPOISE UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY INTERACTION 24 

HARBOR SEAL HARASSMENT 105

HUMPBACK WHALE UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY INTERACTION 64

MINKE WHALE MARINE DEBRIS 1

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL OIL / TAR 35

NORTHERN FUR SEAL TRAWL FISHERY (UNKNOWN) 3

NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE DOLPHIN CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET FISHERY 3

PACIFIC WHITE−SIDED DOLPHIN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 22

RISSO'S DOLPHIN GILLNET FISHERY 1

SHORT−FINNED PILOT WHALE CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET FISHERY 2

STRIPED DOLPHIN GILLNET FISHERY 3

UNIDENTIFIED DOLPHIN CA SPOT PRAWN TRAP FISHERY 1

UNIDENTIFIED OTARIID HAWAII LONGLINE SHALLOW SET FISHERY 3

UNIDENTIFIED PINNIPED CATCHER PROCESSOR MIDWATER TRAWL 7

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY INTERACTION 17 
 

 

 

 

Table 7a. Matrix of initial (rows) and final (columns) injury determinations for pinnipeds. 

NSI=non-serious injury, SI=serious injury. Records with initial determinations of ‘ALIVE’ 

include individual California sea lions targeted for removal at Williamette Falls and Bonneville 

Dam to protect endangered salmon under authority of the MMPA Section 120. 

CAPTIVITY DEAD NSI SI 

ALIVE 2 147 0 0 

NSI 1 18 121 27 

SI 8 239 197 276 

Table 7b. Matrix of initial (rows) and final (columns) injury determinations for large whales. 

NSI=non-serious injury, SI=serious injury. 

DEAD NSI SI SI (PRORATE) 

NSI 0 13 0 0 

SI 7 14 60 2 

SI (PRORATE) 0 6 1 141 

Table 7c. Matrix of initial (rows) and final (columns) injury determinations for small cetaceans. 

NSI=non-serious injury, SI=serious injury. 

DEAD NSI SI 

ALIVE 0 0 0 

NSI 0 0 0 

SI 4 0 3 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 1. Pinniped Injury Criteria (NOAA 2012) 

Summary of Pinniped1 Injury Categories and Criteria 

Instructions: Each pinniped injury event is recorded to the appropriate injury/information category using all available 

information and scientific judgment, as described in the Procedural Directive. For a single injury event to which several 

categories apply, the injury determination with the highest level of severity is assigned. More detailed information or 

extended observation on an individual case/animal may justify a determination differing from the guidance of this table. Any 

injury leading to apparent significant health decline (e.g., skin discoloration, fat loss) is a serious injury. 

Category Injury/Information Injury 

Determination2 

Additional factors for evaluating 

whether “case specific” injuries are 

serious or non-serious (additional 

factors at end of table) * 

P1 

A free-swimming animal observed at a 

date later than its human interaction, 

exhibiting signs of declining health 

believed to be resulting from initial injury 

(e.g., a marked change in body condition, 

tissue necrosis, emaciation, gangrene). 

SI3 

P2 Ingested gear4 or hook(s) SI 

P3 Visible blood loss Case specific5 Amount of blood, location of the bleeding 

injury, duration of bleeding 

P4 

Animal brought on vessel deck following 

entanglement/entrapment (excluding 

scientific research targeting marine 

mammals and authorized as such under a 

NMFS scientific research permit, where 

the animal is brought on and placed on 

the vessel deck in a controlled manner) 

Case specific 

Manner in which animal is brought on deck, 

length of time animal is on deck, 

environmental conditions (e.g., 

temperature) 

P5a Hook(s) in mouth (excluding criterion 

P5b), regardless of the presence of gear SI 

P5b 

Hook(s) confirmed in head (excluding 

criterion P5a), or in lip only (external 

tissue outside of teeth), no trailing gear 

Case specific 

Location on head (e.g., eye), depth of 

penetration, type of hook, prolonged 

restraint or struggle that could lead to 

capture myopathy, size of hook, impairing 

ability to feed 

P5c Hook(s) in any body part, but hook(s) is 

removed or pulls out Case specific 

Prolonged restraint or struggle that could 

lead to capture myopathy, location of 

hooking on the body, depth of hook, hook 

pulls out cleanly vs. causes further injury 

during dehooking, method used to remove 

hook, length of time hooked 

1 For the purposes of this table, pinnipeds include all pinniped species except walrus.
 2

 This table includes on only those criteria determined to be serious injuries or case specific based on expert opinion at the 2007 Workshop
 

(Andersen et al., 2008) and by pinniped experts on the NMFS Determination Staff working group. For the purposes of streamlining the
 

information for the reader, criteria determined to be non-serious injuries are not included in this table.

3 SI = serious injury.
 4 For the purposes of this table, gear is defined as any portion of fishing gear excluding the hook, which is considered separately. Lures are
 

considered gear. Gear also generally refers to any type of debris entangling or attached to the animal.

5 Case specific = Could be a serious or non-serious injury, but either 1) there insufficient information about the impact of a particular injury,
 

or 2) additional factors must be considered on a case-by-case basis to determine the severity.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 1. Pinniped Injury Criteria (NOAA 2012) 

P5d 

Hook(s) in appendage or body (excluding 

criteria P5a-c and P12), without trailing 

gear or with trailing gear that does not 

have the potential6 to: 1) become a 

constricting wrap on animal; 2) be 

ingested, 3) accumulate drag; or 4) 

become snagged on something in the 

environment, anchoring the animal 

NSI 7 

P6 

Gear attached in any manner to freeswimming animal with potential8 to: 1) 

become a constricting wrap on animal; 2) 

be ingested; 3) accumulate drag; or 4) 

become snagged on something in the 

environment, anchoring the animal 

SI 

P7a Anchored/immobilized and not freed SI 

P7b Anchored, immobilized, or entangled 

before being freed without gear attached Case specific 

Duration of entanglement, prolonged 

restraint or struggle that could lead to 

capture myopathy, type of fishing gear, 

where/how gear immobilized animal, 

associated injury (where directly or 

indirectly caused by initial entanglement), 

response of individual 

P8a 

Gear wrapped and constricting any body 

part or likely to become constricting as 

the animal moves or grows 

SI 

P8b Gear wrapped loosely on any body part Case specific 

Type and amount of fishing gear, animal 

body size relative to gear (species, age), 

effect on movement, species sensitivity 

P9 Body trauma9 not covered by any other 

criteria Case specific 

Location of trauma on body, depth 

(superficial or to the bone, penetrating 

muscle or organs) length of laceration(s), 

number of lacerations, cleanliness 

(compression vs. tearing), amount and 

duration of blood loss, risk of infection or 

disease transmission (e.g., dog bites) 

P10 

Visible fracture(s), excluding broken 

appendages (see criterion P13 for broken 

appendages) 

SI 

P11 Vertebral transection or fully severed 

flipper(s) SI 

P12 Body cavity penetration10 by foreign 

object or body cavity exposure SI 

6 For the purposes of this table, potential as it relates to criterion P5d indicates that the trailing gear IS NOT capable of leading to any of the 

situations listed. 

7 NSI = non-serious injury. 8 For the purposes of this table, potential as it relates to criterion P6 indicates that the trailing gear IS capable of leading to any of the 

situations listed. 

9 For the purposes of this table, “trauma” is defined as a wound or bodily harm caused by an extrinsic agent. Blunt trauma is an injury 

(abrasion, laceration, contusion or skeletal fracture) produced by a blunt object striking the body or impact of the body against a blunt object 

or surface. Sharp force trauma is an injury caused by a sharp or pointed object or a bullet from a gunshot creating a penetrating (stab, chop or 

incision) wound. Laceration is defined as a ragged incision or a tearing of the skin. Lacerations are caused by blunt trauma that results in 

stretching, tearing, crushing, shearing, or avulsion of the tissue. 10 For the purposes of this table, “penetration” is defined as a wound occurring when a foreign object punctures the body, such as a bullet 

from a gunshot. Penetrating wounds can be characterized as one of three types: stab (small external wound that is greater in length into the 

body than is apparent on the skin surface), incised (clean cuts into the skin which are longer on the skin surface than they are deep), or chop 

wounds (incised wounds that penetrate deep to the bone, leaving a groove or cut in the bone). 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 1. Pinniped Injury Criteria (NOAA 2012) 

P13 Partially severed or fractured flipper(s) Case specific 

Cleanliness (clean cut vs. tear), nature of 

injury causing the loss, extent of fin or 

flipper loss, opened or closed fracture, 

dislocation, amount/duration of blood loss 

P14 

Dependent animal (i.e., pup, juvenile) 

released alone post-interaction or 

dependent animal left with a seriously 

injured or dead mother 

SI 

P15 Observed or reported collision with vessel Case specific 

Speed of vessel, size of vessel, hull shape, 

part of vessel to strike the animal (e.g., 

propeller, hull), size of animal compared to 

size of vessel, location of strike on animal’s 

body, extent and location of wound(s) to 

animal 

* Factors listed in the far right column of Table 3 are unique to the associated injury type. In addition to those listed in this column, the 

factors that should be considered, if available, when reviewing all case specific injury events in Table 3 include, but are not limited to: 

- Species - Size of injury - Cumulative effects of repeated 

- Age or age class (e.g., calf, juvenile, - Duration of injury (e.g., single event, exposures 

adult) repeated, chronic) - Compounding effects of multiple 

- Sex - Depth of injury (e.g., superficial or injuries obtained during a single 

- Size of animal to the bone, penetrating muscle or event 

- Overall health (e.g., nutritional organs) - Availability of data on multiple 

status, body condition, pre-existing - Cleanliness of injury (e.g., sequential events involving the same 

disease state, pre-existing injuries) compression, tearing) individual over time 

- Behavior during and/or after injury- - Environmental condition (e.g., - Susceptibility of the species to 

causing interaction (e.g., listlessness) individuals out of their normal capture myopathy (some sensitive, 

- Reproductive status (e.g., pregnant, habitat, environmental stressors) others robust, some unknown) 

lactating, has dependant pup) - Social stressors (e.g., social structure - Ability of rehabilitated animal to be 

- Natural history (e.g., small home of species, separation of social released 

range, large home range) individuals from the group, - Relative effect of blood loss on 

- Location of injury (e.g., mouth, mother/pup separation) different species 

head, body, flipper/fin, internal) 

In addition to those factors listed above, the factors that apply to all fishery or marine-debris interaction related case specific injuries include, 

but are not limited to: 

- Entanglement type (e.g., hooked, - Entanglement constriction (e.g., to risk snagging the gear and 

anchored, entrapment) tight, loose, multiple wraps) becoming anchored) 

- Amount and size of gear(e.g., size, - Habitat where animal is located - Entanglement duration 

length and number of lines; number (e.g., an animal with trailing gear in - Existence, type and amount of any 

of buoys, traps or anchors; volume areas of dense gear or an area with trailing gear 

of netting; material of gear) vegetation or on shore is more likely 

- Method of handling the animal
 

during disentanglement 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 2. Large Whale Injury Criteria (NOAA 2012). 

Summary of Large Cetacean1 Injury Categories and Criteria 

Instructions: Each large cetacean injury event is recorded to the appropriate injury/information category using all

available information and scientific judgment, as described in the Procedural Directive. Criteria L10 - L12 

accommodate events that lack details necessary for assignment to a more specific category. For a single injury

event to which several categories apply, the injury determination with the highest level of severity is assigned. More 

detailed information or extended observation on an individual case/animal may justify a determination differing

from the guidance of this table. An animal that is fully disentangled would generally be considered not seriously

injured, unless there is additional evidence of a serious injury. Any injury leading to apparent significant health 

decline (e.g., skin discoloration, lesions near the nares, fat loss, increased cyamid loads) is a serious injury. 

Category Injury/ Information Injury 

Determination Criteria 

L1 Ingested gear2 or hook(s) SI3 Swallowed, not simply draped through

mouth 

L2 Constricting wrap SI 

Tightly wrapped line anywhere on body that

indents the skin or does not shift with 

whale's movement, or line that is likely to

become constricting as the whale grows.

Indication that a whale that is heavily

weighted, anchored or has a discolored

appendage is sufficient evidence of

constricting gear 

L3 Loose wrap, bridled or draped gear NSI4 

Loosely wrapped gear that moves or shifts

freely with whale's movement. Absence of 

constricting gear must be confirmed 

L4 External hook NSI Fishing hook of any size on any part of the

body (i.e., not ingested) 

L5a Deep laceration5 SI 

Laceration with the potential to affect major

artery (e.g., laceration or severing at

insertion of flipper/fluke), penetrating body

cavity, or cutting bone 

L5b Superficial laceration NSI Laceration not deeper than blubber layer,

does not affect major artery, or cut bone 

L6a Vessel much greater in size than

whale or vessel  DQG!NQRWV SI 

Struck by vessel much greater in size than

the whale and traveling greater than 10

knots, or struck by vessel equal or greater

than 65' and traveling greater than 10 knots,

and no information on injury to the whale 

L6b Vessel smaller in size than whale 

or vessel <65' and >10 knots Prorate6

: 0.20 

Struck by vessel smaller in size than the

whale and traveling greater than 10 knots, or

struck by vessel less than 65' and traveling

greater than 10 knots, and no information on

injury to the whale. A strike to a calf by a

vessel of any size and traveling greater than 

10 knots will be considered a serious injury 

1 For the purposes of this table, “large cetaceans” include all mysticetes and sperm whales.
 2 For the purposes of this table, “gear” is defined as any portion of fishing gear excluding the hook, which is considered separately.
 3 SI = Serious Injury.
 4 NSI = Non-Serious Injury.
 5 For the purposes of this table, “laceration” is defined as a ragged incision or a tearing of the skin. Lacerations are caused by trauma that
 

results in stretching, tearing, crushing, shearing, or avulsion of the tissue. Trauma, including blunt and sharp force trauma, includes a wound 

or bodily harm caused by an extrinsic agent.

6

 “Prorate” means the number of events assigned to a given category within the assessment period is multiplied by the prorate number 

provided for that category. 
 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 2. Large Whale Injury Criteria (NOAA 2012). 

L6c Vessel any size NQRWV NSI 

Struck by vessel of any size traveling at

equal or less than 10 knots and no

information on injury to the whale 

L7a 

Vessel much greater in size than

whale or vessel  DQGVSHHG

unknown 

Prorate: 0.56 

Struck by vessel much greater in size than

the whale traveling at an unknown speed, or

struck by vessel equal or greater than 65' 

and traveling at unknown speed, and no

information on injury to the whale. A strike 

to a calf by a vessel of any size when speed

is unknown will be considered a serious 

injury 

L7b Vessel smaller in size than whale 

or vessel <65' and speed unknown Prorate: 0.14 

Struck by vessel smaller than the whale

traveling at an unknown speed, or struck by

vessel less than 65' and traveling at 

unknown speed, and no information on 

injury to the whale. A strike to a calf by a

vessel of any size when speed is unknown

will be considered a serious injury 

L8 Dependent7 SI Dependent calf of a dead or seriously

injured mother 

L9 Brought on deck SI Whale removed from water and brought on

deck 

L10 Evidence of entanglement Prorate: 0.75 

Confirmed entanglement but insufficient

information available to place in any of the

L1-L4 criteria with a high degree of

certainty 

L11 Vessel strike laceration Prorate: 0.52 

Whale confirmed with non-entanglement

related laceration but lacking details to place

in either criteria L5a or L5b with a high

degree of certainty. Includes observation of 

blood in water 

L12 Vessel strike observed Prorate: 0.36 

Confirmed vessel strike report where there

is insufficient detail to assign event to

criteriaL6a – L7b with a high degree of

certainty. A strike to a calf by a vessel of

unknown size traveling at an unknown 

speed will be considered a serious injury 

7 “Dependent” for a large cetacean means a non-weaned calf. Weaned calves and juvenile large cetaceans are no longer dependent on their 

mothers. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 3. Small Cetacean Injury Criteria (NOAA 2012). 

Summary of Small Cetacean1 Injury Categories and Criteria 

Instructions: Each small cetacean injury event is recorded to the appropriate injury/information category using all available 

information and scientific judgment, as described in the Procedural Directive. For a single injury event to which several

categories apply, the injury determination with the highest level of severity is assigned. More detailed information or 

extended observation on an individual case/animal may justify a determination differing from the guidance of this table.

Any injury leading to apparent significant health decline (e.g., skin discoloration, fat loss) is a serious injury. 

Category Injury/Information Injury 

Determination2 

Additional factors for evaluating 

whether “case specific” injuries are

serious or non-serious (additional

factors at end of table) * 

S1 

A free-swimming animal observed at a

date later than its human interaction,

exhibiting signs of declining health

believed to be resulting from initial injury

(e.g., a marked skin discoloration, fat loss) 

SI3 

S2 Ingested gear4 or hook(s) SI 

S3 Visible blood loss Case specific5 Amount of blood, location of the bleeding

injury, duration of bleeding 

S4 

Animal brought on vessel deck following

entanglement/entrapment (excluding

scientific research targeting marine

mammals and authorized as such under a 

NMFS scientific research permit, where

the animal is brought on and placed on the

vessel deck in a controlled manner) 

SI 

S5a 

Hook(s) in head (excluding criterion S5b),

regardless of the presence of gear SI 

S5b Hook(s) confirmed in lip only, external

tissue outside of teeth, no trailing gear Case specific 

Prolonged restraint or struggle that could

lead to capture myopathy, size of hook,

depth of hooking, impairing ability to feed,

presence of other injuries 

S5c Hook(s) in any body part, but hook(s) is

removed or pulls out Case specific 

Prolonged restraint or struggle that could

lead to capture myopathy, depth of hook,

hook pulls out cleanly vs. causes further

injury during dehooking, method used to

remove hook, length of time hooked 

S5d 

Hook(s) in appendage or body (excluding

criterion S5a), without trailing gear or with

trailing gear that does not have the

potential6 to: 1) become a constricting

wrap on animal; 2) be ingested; 3)

accumulate drag; or 4) become snagged

on something in the environment,

anchoring the animal 

Case specific 

Prolonged restraint or struggle that could

lead to capture myopathy, depth and

location of hook, type and amount of gear

attached 

1 For the purposes of this table, small cetaceans include all odontocetes except sperm whales. 

2

 This table includes on only those criteria determined to be serious injuries or case specific based on expert opinion at the 2007 Workshop

(Andersen et al., 2008) and by small cetacean experts on the NMFS Determination Staff working group. For the purposes of streamlining the 

information for the reader, criteria determined to be non-serious injuries are not included in this table.

3 SI = serious injury. 4 For the purposes of this table, gear is defined as any portion of fishing gear excluding the hook, which is considered separately. Lures are 

considered gear. Gear also generally refers to any type of debris entangling or attached to the animal.

5

 Case specific = Could be a serious or non-serious injury, but either 1) there is insufficient information about the impact of a particular 

injury, or 2) additional factors must be considered on a case-by-case basis to determine the severity 6 For the purposes of this table, “potential” as it relates criterion S5d indicates that the trailing gear IS NOT capable of leading to any of the

situations listed. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 3. Small Cetacean Injury Criteria (NOAA 2012). 

S6 

Gear attached to free-swimming animal

with potential7 to: 1) become a constricting

wrap on animal; 2) be ingested; 3)

accumulate drag; or 4) become snagged on

something in the environment, anchoring

the animal 

SI 

S7a Anchored, immobilized, or entrapped and

not freed SI 

S7b 

Anchored, immobilized, entangled, or

entrapped before being freed without gear

attached 

Case specific 

Duration of entanglement/entrapment,

prolonged restraint or struggle that could 

lead to capture myopathy, gear type,

where/how gear is attached to animal,

associated injury (i.e., where directly or

indirectly caused by initial entanglement),

response of individual animal, method

used by human to remove gear from

animal 

S8a 

Gear wrapped and constricting on any

body part or is likely to become

constricting as the animal moves or grows 

SI 

S8b Gear wrapped and loose on any body part Case specific 

Gear type, amount of gear, potential for

snag, potential to lead to criterion S8a,

animal body size relative to gear (e.g.,

because of species or age), effect on

animal movement, species sensitivity (e.g.,

frightens easily) 

S9 Body trauma8 not covered by any other 

criteria Case specific 

Location of wound, depth (e.g., superficial

or to the bone, penetrating muscle or

organs), length, number of lacerations,

cleanliness (i.e., compression vs. tearing) 

S10 

Visible fracture(s), excluding pectoral fins

(see criterion S13d for pectoral fin

fractures) 

SI 

S11 Vertebral transection, including fully

severed flukes SI 

S12 Body cavity penetration9 by foreign object 

or body cavity exposure SI 

S13a Loss or disfigurement of dorsal fin Case specific 

Cleanliness (i.e., compression vs. tearing),

nature of injury causing the loss, extent of

fin loss (i.e., full or partial), amount and

duration of blood loss 

S13b Partially severed flukes, transecting

midline SI 

7 For the purposes of this table, potential as it relates criterion S6 indicates that the trailing gear IS capable of leading to any of the situations

listed. 

8 For the purposes of this table, “trauma” is defined as a wound or bodily harm caused by an extrinsic agent. Blunt trauma is an injury

(abrasion, laceration, contusion or skeletal fracture) produced by a blunt object striking the body or impact of the body against a blunt object 

or surface. Sharp force trauma is an injury caused by a sharp or pointed object creating a penetrating (stab, chop or incision) wound.

Laceration is defined as a ragged incision or a tearing of the skin. Lacerations are caused by blunt trauma that results in stretching, tearing, 

crushing, shearing, or avulsion of the tissue.

9 For the purposes of this table, “penetration” is defined as a wound occurring when a foreign object punctures the body. Penetrating wounds

can be characterized as one of three types: stab (small external wound that is greater in length into the body than is apparent on the skin

surface), incised (clean cuts into the skin which are longer on the skin surface than they are deep), or chop wounds (incised wounds that

penetrate deep to the bone, leaving a groove or cut in the bone). 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 3. Small Cetacean Injury Criteria (NOAA 2012). 

S13c Partially severed flukes, not transecting 

midline Case specific 

Cleanliness (i.e., compression vs. tearing),

nature of injury causing the loss, amount

and duration of blood loss 

S13d Partially or completely severed or

fractured pectoral fin(s) Case specific 

Cleanliness (i.e., compression vs. tearing),

nature of injury causing the loss, extent of

fin loss (i.e., full or partial), amount and

duration of blood loss, opened or closed 

fracture 

S14 

Social animal separated from group and/or

released alone post-interaction (excluding

criterion S15) 

Case specific 

Species (e.g., sensitivity, offshore vs.

inshore), location of release (e.g., 

likelihood of animal locating its

conspecifics) 

S15 

Dependent animal (i.e., calf, juvenile)

released alone post-interaction or

dependent animal left with a seriously

injured or dead mother 

SI 

S16 Observed or reported collision with vessel Case specific 

Speed of vessel, size of vessel, hull shape,

part of vessel to strike the animal, size of

animal compared to size of vessel,

behavior of animal after collision, extent

and location of wound(s) on animal 

* Factors listed in the far right column of Table 2 are unique to the associated injury type. In addition to those listed in this column, the

factors that should be considered, if available, when reviewing all case specific injury events in Table 2 include, but are not limited to: 

- Species - Size of injury - Compounding effects of multiple

- Age or age class (e.g., calf, juvenile, - Duration of injury (e.g., single event, injuries obtained during a single

adult) repeated, chronic) event 

- Sex - Depth of injury (e.g., superficial or - Availability of data on multiple

- Size of animal to the bone, penetrating muscle or sequential events involving the same

- Overall health (e.g., nutritional organs) individual over time 

status, body condition, pre-existing - Cleanliness of injury (e.g., - Susceptibility of the species to 

disease state, pre-existing injuries) compression, tearing) capture myopathy (spinner dolphins

- Behavior during and/or after injury- - Environmental condition (e.g., and porpoises notoriously sensitive; 

causing interaction (e.g., dorsal individuals out of their normal bottlenose dolphins robust; many

arching, listlessness) habitat, climate stressors) others fall in between, with some

- Reproductive status (e.g., pregnant, - Social stressors (e.g., social structure unknown) 

lactating, has dependant calf) of species, separation of social - Ability of rehabilitated animal to be

- Natural history (e.g., indigenous, individuals from the group, cow/calf released 

migratory) separation) - Relative effect of blood loss on 

- Location of injury (e.g., mouth, - Cumulative effects of repeated different species 

head, body, fin, tail, internal) exposures 

In addition to those factors listed above, the factors that apply to all fishery-interaction related case specific injuries include, but are not

limited to: 

- Entanglement type (e.g., hooked, anchored, entrapment) - Habitat where animal is located (e.g., an animal with trailing

- Amount and size of gear (e.g., size, length and number of gear areas of dense gear or an area with vegetation is more

branches of line; number of buoys, traps or anchors; volume likely to risk snagging the gear and becoming anchored) 

of netting) - Entanglement duration 

- Entanglement constriction (e.g., tight, loose, multiple wraps) - Existence, type and amount of any trailing gear 

- Method of handling the animal during disentanglement 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

THE DISTAL END OF THE PEDUNCLE AND THE FLUKES HAD 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

BEEN SEVERED OFF, LIKELY PERIMORTEM. STANDARD 

LENGTH MEASUREMENT IS TO THE SEVERED PEDUNCLE. 

BAIRD'S BEAKED WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 8 29 VESSEL STRIKE MARIN CA DEAD LIMITED NECROPSY DUE TO THE LEVEL OF DEAD NA 1 N Y 

DETERMINED VIA EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL EXAM, 

HISTOLOGY. SEVERAL EVENLY SPACED (5CM BETWEEN 

EACH "X") CROSSHATCH MARKS ON FRONT OF ROSTRUM 

AND SIDES OF HEAD. THIN INDENTATIONS ON LEFT AND 

RIGHT SIDES OF BEAK THAT APPEAR TO WRAP AROUND 

BEAK. DIFFUSE BRUISING THROUGHOUT HEAD BLUBBER, 

SEVERE ON RIGHT SIDE BEHIND BLOWHOLE, WITH 

EDEMATOUS MUSCLE BENEATH. BODY BRUISING, 

PARTICULARLY ON ENTIRE VENTRAL SIDE OF THE ANIMAL 

AND ALONG THE TIPS OF THE DORSAL VERTEBRAL 

PROCESSES. EVIDENCE OF POSSIBLE DROWNING, 

BLAINVILLE'S BEAKED CONFIRMED VIA HISTOLOGY. ALSO INGESTED 15CM LONG 

WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 10 9 GILLNET FISHERY CLALLAM WA DEAD PIECE OF BLACK KNOTTED ROPE (3CM DIAMETER). 

OVERHEAD CAMERA FOOTAGE INDICATES THAT GEAR 

DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ORIGINATES FROM MOUTH OR RIGHT PECTORAL AND 

RUNS ALONG BODY, POSSIBLY TWO LINES, ONE OVER THE 

FLUKES AND ANOTHER UNDER THE FLUKES THEN APPROX 

40 FT BEHIND WHALE, THEN WRAPS/TWISTS TOGETHER 

AND GOES BACK 400+ FEET; CDFW CONCURS IS 

CONSISTENT WITH DEEP SET TRAP, POSSIBLY HAGFISH, 

SABLEFISH, OR SPOT PRAWN. CONFIGURATION OF GEAR 

UNKNOWN AND CANNOT TELL IF GEAR IS CONSTRICTING 

OR LOOSELY WRAPPED. WHALE REPORTED AS SWIMMING 

AND DIVING, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO SUBMERGE BODY. 

WHALE APPEARS SLIGHTLY THIN, IMPLYING A DECLINE IN 

HEALTH STATUS DUE TO THE TRAILING GEAR. SERIOUS 

INJURY PRORATION VALUE IS ASSIGNED AS = 1 FOR THIS 

BLUE WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2015 9 4 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT LOS ANGELES CA SI (PRORATE) 

REASON. PHOTOS AND VIDEO REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA, 

J. GILPATRICK, M. LYNN AND A. HENRY. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 1 Y Y 

35 MILES WEST OF PT. LOMA. TRAILING 2 RED BULLET 

BUOYS WITH PURPLE T6 CDFW DUNGENESS CRAB BUOY 

TAG; LINE WRAPPED THROUGH MOUTH OR AROUND 

PECTORAL FIN. GEAR WAS ORIGINALLY SET OFF SAN LUIS 

OBISPO IN 40 - 70 FATHOMS OF WATER. WHALE SEEN 

NEXT DAY, LOGGING AT SURFACE, WHICH IS ABNORMAL 

BEHAVIOR FOR A BLUE WHALE. UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT 

AT DISENTANGLING WHALE. FULL CONFIGURATION OF 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY GEAR UNKNOWN. THIS IS A SERIOUS INJURY BECAUSE OF 

BLUE WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2016 6 26 (CALIFORNIA) SAN DIEGO CA SI THE NOTED HEALTH DECLINE OF THE WHALE. 

SEEN OFF LOS ANGELES TRAILING BUOYS AND LINE. 

SI L10 1 Y Y 

MULTIPLE RESIGHTS AS FAR NORTH AS SANTA CRUZ 

COUNTY. SEEN ACTIVELY FEEDING WITH OTHER BLUE 

WHALES THROUGH EARLY OCTOBER. FINAL SIGHTING 

WAS IN OCTOBER OFF OF LOS ANGELES. WHALE BODY 

CONDITION WAS DESCRIBED AS 'EMACIATED' IN AUGUST 

AND 'FAIR' IN OCTOBER. LINE WRAPPED AROUND BODY, 2 

YELLOW BUOYS WITH BLUE TIPS, TRAILING 30 FEET 

BEHIND WHALE, SPACED 1 FM APART, PURPLE CDFW 

DUNGENESS CRAB BUOY TAG VISIBLE, VIDEO SHOWS 

ALGAE AND BARNACLE GROWTH ON ROPE AND BUOYS, 

COMPRESSION OF BUOYS. UNCERTAINTY OVER WHETHER 

LINE EXTENDS THROUGH MOUTH OR JUST OVER 

PECTORAL FLIPPERS. HEALTH DECLINE AND TWO CRISSDUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY CROSSED CONSTRICTING MULTIPLE WRAPS OF LINE 

BLUE WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2016 7 14 (CALIFORNIA) LOS ANGELES CA SI POSTERIOR OF DORSAL AROUND BODY WARRANTS 

REPORT OF AN ENTANGLED WHALE FROM POINT BLUE 

SI L2 1 Y Y 

CONSERVATION GROUP NEAR THE FARALLON ISLANDS. 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY NO PHOTOS OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. AMOUNT OF SI 

BLUE WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2016 8 15 INTERACTION SAN FRANCISCO CA SI (PRORATE) GEAR AND CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

TWO BLACK OR GREEN BUOYS WITH ABUNDANT MARINE 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

GROWTH TRAILING BEHIND WHALE ABOUT 20-30 FEET, 

FLUKES NOT ENTANGLED, BUT POSSIBLY PECTORAL FIN. 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. NO SI 

BLUE WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2016 8 28 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) PHOTOS. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

MODERATELY DECOMPOSED 65-FOOT LONG BLUE WHALE
 

NECROPSIED BY THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER,
 

FINDINGS OF BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA. SOME
 

BLUE WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2016 10 26 VESSEL STRIKE SAN MATEO CA DEAD UNCERTAINTY WHETHER OR NOT VESSEL STRIKE WAS DEAD NA 1 N Y
 

BLUE WHALE 

BLUE WHALE 

BLUE WHALE 

EASTERN N PACIFIC 

EASTERN N PACIFIC 

EASTERN N PACIFIC 

2017 

2017 

2017 

5 

6 

8 

25 

10 

19 

VESSEL STRIKE 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

(CALIFORNIA) 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

MARIN 

SAN FRANCISCO 

SAN DIEGO 

CA 

CA 

CA 

DEAD 

SI (PRORATE) 

SI (PRORATE) 

NECROPSY CONDUCTED BY MARINE MAMMAL CENTER IN 

SAUSILITO. BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA DUE TO A BOAT 

STRIKE,” SAID BARBIE HALASKA, A BIOLOGIST AND 

RESEARCH ASSISTANT AT THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER 

IN SAUSALITO. LEFT SIDE OF BODY WAS DAMAGED. 

FINDINGS INCLUDED 10 BROKEN RIBS AND 10 FRACTURED 

VERTEBRAE NEAR THE TAIL AND MID-BODY. 

TWO BUOYS ON RIGHT SIDE OF BODY, WITH LINE 

POSSIBLY EXTENDING TO MOUTH. ONE BUOY HAD A 

RED/ORANGE TAG, THIS IS A CA DUNGENESS CRAB 

ENTANGLEMENT. ONE LARGER YELLOW BUOY WITH BLACK 

LONGITUDINAL STRIPE TRAILING OFF RIGHT SIDE, MID 

BODY, POSSIBLE MOUTH ENTANGLEMENT. APPEARS TO BE 

A GREEN/BLUE LINE AROUND THE HEAD. ANIMAL 

LUNGING AT SURFACE, OBSERVERS THINK IT MIGHT HAVE 

SELF-RELEASED, BUT BUOYS WERE NOT SEEN AGAIN. 

UNCERTAINTY REGARDING CONTINUED PRESENCE OF 

GEAR ON ANIMAL AND UNKNOWN CONFIGURATION 

WARRANTS PRORATED SERIOUS INJURY. 

PHOTOS SHOW BLUE LINE DRAPED OVER BACK OF WHALE 

DIAGONALLY, FROM ANTERIOR TO DORSAL FIN, TOWARDS 

MIDBODY. PHOTOS SHOW THAT PRIVATE VESSEL 

RETRIEVED, VIA CUTTING, A LONG LENTGH OF BLUE LINE 

AND 2 LARGE BUMPER BUOYS. UNCLEAR IF GEAR 

REMAINED ON ANIMAL OR NOT. GOOD BODY CONDITION, 

NO BEHAVIORAL SUMMARY. UNKNOWN GEAR 

CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT. 

DEAD 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

NA 

L10 

L10 

1 

0.75 

0.75 

N 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

BLUE WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2017 9 23 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION SAN FRANCISCO CA SI (PRORATE) 

PHOTOS SHOW BLUE WHALE TRAILING A SINGLE BUOY 

APPROXIMATELY 1.5 BODY LENGTHS BEHIND TAIL. 

ANIMAL WAS ACTIVELY SWIMMING. GEAR 

CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT UNKNOWN. PHOTOS 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

BLUE WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 6 16 VESSEL STRIKE SAN FRANCISCO CA DEAD 

NECROPSY FINDINGS INCLUDED: LARGE AREAS OF 

MUSCLE HEMORRHAGE ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT DORSOLATERAL SIDES. HEMORRHAGED TISSUE OBSERVED 

CAUDAL TO THE GAPE ON THE LEFT SIDE. EXTENSIVE 

NECROTIC TISSUE WAS NOTED CAUDAL TO THE SKULL AT 

THE CERVICAL VERTEBRAE. BONE BRUISING WAS 

OBSERVED ON ALL OF THE RIBS THAT WERE VISUALIZED 

ON THE LEFT SIDE AND ON THE LEFT MANDIBLE. THERE 

WERE NO BROKEN RIBS. THERE WAS EXTENSIVE FREEFLOWING BLOOD OBSERVED WHEN THE RIGHT THORAX 

WAS OPENED UP. THE FIRST THREE (3) LUMBAR 

VERTEBRAE WERE SURROUNDED BY NECROTIC TISSUE 

AND WERE SHATTERED INTO MANY PIECES, INCLUDING 

FRACTURED LATERAL PROCESSES, FRACTURED CENTRUMS, 

AND A FRACTURED EPIPHYSEAL PLATE. ALL OTHER 

VERTEBRAE THAT WERE VISUALIZED WERE INTACT. 

FINDINGS CONSISTENT WITH VESSEL STRIKE AS CAUSE OF DEAD NA 1 N Y 

BLUE WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 7 16 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION SONOMA CA SI (PRORATE) 

WHALE TRAILING 2 YELLOW BUOYS APPROXIMATELY 40 

FT. BEHIND ANIMAL. NO PHOTOS. AMOUNT AND 

CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

SELF-REPORTED BY VESSEL CAPTAIN. NO DETAILS OTHER 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

THAN KILLED. ASSUMED TO BE PART OF OFFSHORE 

BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA OFFSHORE 2014 1 3 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD 

CA/OR/WA STOCK BASED ON TYPICAL FISHING LOCATIONS 

FOR THIS FISHERY. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

WOUND AROUND NECK FROM NET/LINE. EMACIATED, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 1 3 MARINE DEBRIS ORANGE CA SI DEHYDRATED SI P8A 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT, DEHYDRATED, FISH HOOK AND LINE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 1 20 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI UNDER RIGHT FLIPPER SI P1 1 N Y 

LETHARGIC, UNDERWEIGHT, WOUND ON LOWER BACK. 

BULLET FOUND DURING NECROPSY IN THE DIAPHRAGM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 1 21 SHOOTING SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI WITH AN ENTRANCE POINT IN THE PUBIS. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT, LARGE BITE WOUNDS UNDER RIGHT 

FRONT FLIPPER AND LEFT CHEST AREA. FOUND 

APROXIMATELY 3 FEET OF FISHING LINE/NET IN ANIMALS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 1 22 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI VOMIT. ANIMAL TRANSFERRED TO REHAB FACILITY, SI P2 1 N Y 

WOUND AROUND NECK FROM POSSIBLE PACKING STRAP. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 2 9 MARINE DEBRIS VENTURA CA SI TRANSFERRED TO REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 N Y 

SEAL BOMBS USED TO SCARE ANIMAL AWAY FROM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 2 24 CATCH SHARES HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE CA NSI CATCH. WORKED TEMPORARILY BUT ANIMAL RETURNED. NSI P9 0 N N 

SEAL BOMBS USED TO SCARE ANIMAL AWAY FROM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 2 24 CATCH SHARES HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE CA NSI CATCH. WORKED TEMPORARILY BUT ANIMAL RETURNED. NSI P9 0 N N 

SEAL BOMBS USED TO SCARE ANIMAL AWAY FROM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 2 24 CATCH SHARES HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE CA NSI CATCH. WORKED TEMPORARILY BUT ANIMAL RETURNED. NSI P9 0 N N 

SEAL BOMBS USED TO SCARE ANIMAL AWAY FROM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 2 24 CATCH SHARES HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE CA NSI CATCH. WORKED TEMPORARILY BUT ANIMAL RETURNED. NSI P9 0 N N 

SEAL BOMBS USED TO SCARE ANIMAL AWAY FROM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 2 24 CATCH SHARES HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE CA NSI CATCH. WORKED TEMPORARILY BUT ANIMAL RETURNED. NSI P9 0 N N 

SEAL BOMBS USED TO SCARE ANIMAL AWAY FROM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 2 24 CATCH SHARES HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE CA NSI CATCH. WORKED TEMPORARILY BUT ANIMAL RETURNED. NSI P9 0 N N 

ENTANGLEMENT WOUND AROUND NECK FROM 

MONOFILAMENT NET. ANIMAL SENT TO REHAB FACILITY, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 3 1 UNIDENTIFIED NET FISHERY SANTA CRUZ CA SI OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

MONOFILAMENT LINE AROUND NECK CAUSING A HALF 

INCH DEEP LACERATION. THIN, DEHYDRATED, SWOLLEN 

RIGHT FRONT FLIPPER. ANIMAL SENT TO REHAB FACILITY, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 3 6 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 N Y 

THIN PUP WITH FISHING LINE AROUND NECK CAUSING A 

HALF INCH DEEP BY FIVE INCH WIDE LACERATION ON THE 

VENTRAL SIDE. ANIMAL TRANSFERRED TO REHAB FACILITY, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 3 9 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 N Y 

FOUND FLOATING DEAD IN WATER INTAKE SYSTEM. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 3 12 POWER PLANT ENTRAINMENT LOS ANGELES CA DEAD SCATTERGOOD GENERATING STATION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GREEN MONOFILAMENT AROUND HEAD AND NECK, CUTS 

TO HEAD AND NECK, TREMBLING, MODERATELY 

UNDERWEIGHT. TRANSFERRED TO REHAB FACILITY, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 3 16 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 3 19 VESSEL STRIKE CLATSOP OR DEAD PROPELLER WOUNDS ON FRESHLY DEAD ANIMAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNRESPONSIVE, LABORED BREATHING, MODERATELY 

UNDERWEIGHT. ANIMAL TRANSFERRED TO REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 3 20 OIL / TAR MONTEREY CA SI FACILITY, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. 

GILLNET ENTRAPMENT AROUND SKULL CUTTING INTO 

SI P1 1 N Y 

NECK AT LEVEL OF LARYNEX; COUGHING; CONGESTION. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 3 21 GILLNET FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI ANIMAL TRANSFERRED TO REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME SI P8A 1 Y Y 

EXTERNAL WOUNDS CONSISTENT WITH GUNSHOT. THE 

ANIMAL WAS RADIOGRAPHED WHICH CONFIRMED THAT 

HE HAD BEEN SHOT WITH A SHOT GUN AND HAD 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 3 22 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI MULTIPLE BUCKSHOT IN HIS HEAD AND BACK. SI P9 1 N Y 

MONOFILAMENT GILLNET CUTTING INTO NECK AND 

MOUTH. ANIMAL TRANSFERRED TO REHAB FACILITY, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 3 24 GILLNET FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH MONOFILAMENT NET 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

AROUND NECK AND MOUTH REMOVED, ANIMAL 

TRANSPORTED TO THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER, FINAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 3 25 GILLNET FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P7B 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 3 27 OIL / TAR SAN DIEGO CA SI 

LETHARGIC, UNDERWEIGHT, THICK OIL COAT ON HEAD 

AND HINDQUARTERS, ANIMAL TAKEN INTO REHAB AND 

CLEANED, FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P1 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 3 30 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI HOOK IN RIGHT FRONT FLIPPER NSI P5D 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 1 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI UNDERWEIGHT, HOOK THROUGH TONGUE SI P5A 1 N Y 

CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK, PHOTO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 1 MARINE DEBRIS GRAYS HARBOR WA SI REVIEWED, MATERIAL NOT VISIBLE. SI P8A 1 N Y 

RUBBER BELT AROUND NECK. ANIMAL TAKEN TO REHAB, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 4 MARINE DEBRIS SAN MATEO CA SI OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH ONE FISH HOOK UNDER 

RIGHT EYE, ONE IN FLIPPER. RADIOGRAPH REVEALED 

THIRD FISH HOOK IN STOMACH WHICH WAS REMOVED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 5 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI REHAB. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P2 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH BLACK RUBBER BELT 

CUTTING INTO NECK. REMOVED AT SANTA BARBARA 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 6 MARINE DEBRIS SANTA BARBARA CA SI MARINE MAMMAL CENTER. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL MISSING BOTH EYES. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 6 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI RADIOGRAPH REVEALED BULLET IN HEAD. SI P12 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 8 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD KILLED BY GEAR DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HYPERTHERMIC ANIMAL WITH HOOK IN SHOULDER. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 8 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P5C 1 N Y 

GILLNET WOUND AROUND NECK, ANIMAL CAPTURED AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 10 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI TREATED, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH HOOK IN SHOULDER. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 11 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P5C 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT AND CONGESTED ANIMAL WITH FISH 

HOOK IN RIGHT REAR FLIPPER. TREATED AT REHAB, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 11 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P5C 1 N Y 

CUTS AROUND NECK - GILL NET INJURY; ATAXIC; THIN; 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 12 GILLNET FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI MALNUTRITION SI P1 1 Y Y 

UNDERWEIGHT AND DEHYRDRATED ANIMAL WITH FISH 

HOOK IN LEFT REAR FLIPPER. TREATED AT REHAB, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 12 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI OUTCOME UNKNOWN SI P5C 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 13 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD KILLED BY GEAR DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH HOOK ON RIGHT SIDE OF 

MOUTH AND FLIPPER. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 13 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P5A 1 N Y 

EMACIATED, DEHYDRATED, FISHING HOOK IN CHIN ON 

LEFT SIDE, SWOLLEN RIGHT SIDE OF NECK POSSIBLY FROM 

DOG BITE. ANIMAL TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 13 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P5B 1 N Y 

CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK, LOOKS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 13 MARINE DEBRIS GRAYS HARBOR WA SI LIKE WHITE PACKING BAND OR LARGE ZIP TIE. PHOTO SI P8A 1 N Y 

EMACIATED, FISH HOOKS IN FRONT & REAR FLIPPERS. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 14 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI TREATED AT REHAB, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P5C 1 N Y 

EMACIATED, DEHYDRATED, AND THREE PRONG FISHING 

HOOK ON THE FRONT EDGE OF LEFT FLIPPER WITH 

FISHING LINE WRAPPED TIGHTLY AROUND TIP SEVERING A 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 14 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI PIECE OF THE FLIPPER. TREATED AT REHAB, OUTCOME SI P5C 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 15 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 15 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 15 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 15 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 15 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 15 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISH HOOK IN LEFT GUM. ANIMAL TREATED IN REHAB, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 16 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P5A 1 N Y 

GUNSHOT WOUNDS TO HEAD; PNEUMONIA; 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 16 SHOOTING LOS ANGELES CA SI MALNUTRITION. TREATED IN REHAB, OUTCOME SI P12 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT, FISH HOOKS BELOW EYE AND IN FLIPPERS. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 17 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P5B 1 N Y 

THIN AND DEHYDRATED. FISH HOOK IN LEFT CORNER OF 

MOUTH. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 19 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI UNKNOWN. SI P5A 1 N Y 

PLASTIC ZIPLOC BAG AROUND NECK REMOVED ON SITE. 

ANIMAL WAS ALERT AND OTHERWISE IN GOOD BODY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 19 MARINE DEBRIS SAN DIEGO CA SI CONDTION. NSI P7B 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 20 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI FISH HOOK IN MOUTH SI P5A 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT, DEHYDRATED, FISH HOOK LEFT REAR 

FLIPPER. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 21 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI UNKNOWN. SI P5C 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 22 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 22 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 22 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

LACERATION ON L FRONT FLIPPER WITH A FISH HOOK 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 22 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI UNDERWEIGHT SI P5C 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT, FISH HOOK IN MOUTH LEFT EAR, LEFT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 22 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI REAR FLIPPER. TREATED AT REHAB, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P5C 1 N Y 

MALNOURISED AND LETHARGIC ANIMAL WITH A FISH 

HOOK. LOCATION OF HOOK NOT DESCRIBED. HOOK 

FOUND IN NET AFTER RESCUE. TRANSFERRED TO REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 22 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI FACILITY, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P5C 1 N Y 

DEEP FISHING LINE CUTS AROUND SKULL; PROLAPSED 

AND ULCERATED RECTUM; CONGESTED. SENT TO REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 26 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI FACILITY, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P1 1 N Y 

EMACIATED, DEHYDRATED AND 1/2 INCH DEEP CUT ALL 

THE WAY AROUND NECK FROM MONOFILAMENT LINE 

WHICH WAS REMOVED AT SEAWORLD. UNDERWEIGHT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 27 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI AND DEEP CUT FROM FISHING LINE. FINAL OUTCOME SI P1 1 N Y 

EMACIATED AND LETHARGIC ANIMAL WITH OIL/TAR ON 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 28 OIL / TAR MONTEREY CA SI BODY SI P1 1 N Y 

ALERT, EMACIATED, TAR PATCHES ON NECK, SMALL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 28 OIL / TAR SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI WOUND ON NECK. OIL/TAR EXTERNAL EXAM SI P1 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 28 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD BULLETS RETRIEVED DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 28 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD BULLET HOLES IN SKULL AND BODY DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 29 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 29 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 4 29 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 1 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 1 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 1 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 1 GILLNET FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI SEVERE GILL NET INJURY; MALNUTRITION. SI P1 1 Y Y 

GOOD BODY CONDITION, MONOFILAMENT NET 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 1 GILLNET FISHERY MONTEREY CA NSI ENTANGLEMENT NSI P1 0 N N 

FISH HOOK IN LOWER LIP; SENT TO REHAB, OUTCOME 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 4 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA NSI UNKNOWN. NSI P5B 0 N N 

LARGE PELLET RECOVERED FROM SKULL, ASSOCIATED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 4 SHOOTING GRAYS HARBOR WA DEAD HEMORRHAGE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MONOFILIAMENT LINE AROUND SHOULDER. ANIMAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 7 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI SENT TO REHAB, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 N Y 

SMALL HOOK NEAR GENITALS, UNDERWEIGHT, SLIGHTLY 

DEHYDRATED AND AN INJURED LEFT EYE. FISHING HOOK 

WAS REMOVED ON 5/8/14 UNDERWEIGHT AND INJURED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 8 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI LEFT EYE External Exam NSI P5C 0 N N 

CONSTRICTING INJURY AROUND NECK, MATERIAL NOT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 11 MARINE DEBRIS SAN JUAN WA SI VISIBLE IN PHOTO. SI P8A 1 N Y 

EXTREMELY LETHARGIC, SWOLLEN RIGHT EYE, WOUNDS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 11 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI ON RIGHT SIDE OF FACE. BULLETS FOUND IN NECROPSY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 11 SHOOTING MONTEREY CA DEAD BULLET HOLE / INJURY IN BACK DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISH HOOKS IN CHEST AND NECK. RELOCATED AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 18 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI RELEASED 5/18/14. NSI P5C 0 N N 

THIN; HEALING CIRCUMFERENTIAL NECK LACERATION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 18 MARINE DEBRIS LOS ANGELES CA SI FROM PREVIOUS ENTANGLEMENT; DEHYDRATED. SI P1 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 18 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD BULLET HOLES DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISH HOOKS REMOVED FROM THIN ANIMAL BY REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 19 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA NSI CENTER, NO DETAILS ON LOCATION OF HOOKS. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 19 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD BULLET HOLES, EXTENSIVE HEMORRHAGE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL WAS IN GOOD BODY CONDITION BUT HAD A 

FISHING GAFF PIERCING THROUGH HIS SKIN ABOVE HIS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 21 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI LEFT HIP. SI P12 1 N Y 

FISH HOOK IN MOUTH, REMOVED AT REHAB FACILITY, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 23 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI ANIMAL RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 26 ENTRAPMENT SANTA BARBARA CA DEAD DROWNED. WAS TRAPPED UNDER POOL GRATE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GILLNET AROUND NECK. NET REMOVED AND WOUND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 27 GILLNET FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA NSI CLEANED AT REHAB FACILITY NSI P7B 0 N N 

GILLNET AROUND NECK. SENT TO REHAB FACILITY. NO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 27 GILLNET FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI FURTHER DETAILS. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

GILLNET AROUND NECK. SENT TO REHAB FACILITY. NO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 27 GILLNET FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI FURTHER DETAILS. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

GILLNET AROUND NECK. SENT TO REHAB FACILITY. NO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 27 GILLNET FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI FURTHER DETAILS. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

GILLNET INJURY, EXPOSED TRACHEAL THYROID 

CARTILAGE. POLICE REMOVED THE FISHING LINE FROM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 31 GILLNET FISHERY ORANGE CA SI AROUND THE ANIMAL'S NECK. ONCE DONE THEY SI P8A 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 5 31 SHOOTING CLACKAMAS OR DEAD BULLET HOLES, HEMORRHAGE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SMALL HOLE ABOUT RIGHT EYE SOCKET, WHICH IS ABOVE 

THE MAXILLA FRACTURE. SMALL CIRCULAR DIVOTS IN 

CHIN AND LOWER JAW AREA. NO BUCKSHOT IN HOLES 

AND THEY DID NOT TRACK DOWN TROUGH 

SUBCUTANEOUS TISSUE, WILL LOOK FOR BULLETS AND 

BUCKSHOT DURING PROCESSING OF SKULL. OLD 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 6 6 SHOOTING MARIN CA DEAD BUCKSHOT HOLES IN CHIN MAXILLA IN NUMEROUS DEAD NA 1 N Y 
 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

LARGE FISHHOOK AND LINE, NO DETAILS, OTHER THAN 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 6 8 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA NSI ANIMAL SENT TO REHAB. NSI P5C 0 N N 

FISH HOOK IN LEFT LIP, PNEUMONIA, GI TRACT 

INFECTIONS, QUARTS OF PUS REMOVED. SENT TO REHAB, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 6 19 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P1 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 6 23 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD OBVIOUS BULLET HOLES DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ADULT MALE SEA LION, 6-7 FEET IN LENGTH, 

APPROXIMATELY 200 LB, HOOKED DEEP IN MOUTH BY 

SCIENTIFIC LONGLINE. LEADER CUT APPROXIMATELY 10-

INCHES FROM MOUTH. ANIMAL WAS FEISTY AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 7 2 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE CA SI APPEARED TO BE IN GOOD CONDUCTION WHEN SI P2 1 N Y 

LETHARGIC ON THE BEACH, OPEN MOUTH BREATHING, 

DECENT BODY CONDITION. FISH HOOK IN MOUTH. 

RESTRAND ANIMAL FROM FORT MAC, SHAVED "408" ON 

RIGHT HIP FISH HOOK WITH THE LINE HANGING FROM IT 

IN THE THROAT, BOTH LUNGS COLLAPSED FISH HOOK 

WITH THE LINE HANGING FROM IT IN THE THROAT. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 7 17 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI ANIMAL SENT TO REHAB, FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P2 1 N Y 

FISHING HOOK EMBEDDED IN NECK WITH LINE. SENT TO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 7 23 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI REHAB, FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 N Y 

ANIMAL WITH NETTING AROUND NECK. REHAB, FINAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 7 25 GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA SI OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

3 FISH HOOKS,MOUTH, FRONT AND REAR FLIPPER. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 7 28 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI ANIMAL SENT TO REHAB, FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P5A 1 N Y 

A FEMALE CA SEA LION GOT CAUGHT ON A HOOK AND 

LIMITED ENTRY SABLEFISH HAD TO HAVE THE GANGION CUT. LOCATION OF HOOK IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 8 6 HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE CA SI MOUTH NOT DETAILED. OBSERVER PROGRAM. SI P5A 1 Y Y 

HAULED OUT WITH A SILVER COLORED SALMON FLASHER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 8 9 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LINCOLN OR SI HANGING FROM IT'S MOUTH. SI P2 1 N Y 

ONE OF TWO CA SEA LIONS TRAPPED IN TRAWL NET 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT DURING HAUL BACK. DUMPED ON DECK, BOTH DEPARTED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 8 12 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI VESSEL UNASSISTED WITH NO APPARENT INJURIES. NSI P4 0 N N 

ONE OF TWO CA SEA LIONS TRAPPED IN TRAWL NET 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT DURING HAUL BACK. DUMPED ON DECK, BOTH DEPARTED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 8 12 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI VESSEL UNASSISTED WITH NO APPARENT INJURIES. NSI P4 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2014 

2014 

2014 

2014 

8 

8 

8 

9 

23 

23 

26 

1 

CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL 

CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL 

VESSEL STRIKE 

SHOOTING 

OFFSHORE 

OFFSHORE 

MONTEREY 

PACIFIC 

CA 

CA 

CA 

WA 

DEAD 

DEAD 

DEAD 

DEAD 

KILLED BY GEAR 

KILLED IN GEAR (DESCRIBED AS DEAD IN COMMENTS AND 

CATEGORIZED AS 'ENTANGLED IN GEAR', WHICH IS 

USUALLY RESERVED FOR ANIMALS RELEASED ALIVE) 

PROPELLER STRIKE TO HEAD, DEEP GASH. 

BULLET HOLES, HEMORRHAGE. 

DEAD 

DEAD 

DEAD 

DEAD 

NA 

NA 

NA 

NA 

1 

1 

1 

1 

Y 

Y 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 9 2 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

FISHING LINE COMING FROM MOUTH. MEMBERS OF 

PUBLIC REPORTEDLY PULLING ON LINE. HOOKS IN 

THROAT FOUND ON X-RAY. SI P2 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 9 8 SHOOTING SAN MATEO CA DEAD TWO BULLET ENTRY WOUNDS ON RIGHT SHOULDER AREA. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 9 9 SHOOTING MARIN CA DEAD 

GREEN TWINE TO LEFT FRONT FLIPPER. DURING SKULL 

PREPARATION PROCESS, A THROUGH AND THROUGH 

BULLET WOUND WAS NOTED. THE APPARENT ENTRY IS 

BEHIND THE RIGHT EYE SOCKET. THE EXIT IS LEFT REAR 

LATERAL SKULL AREA. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 9 15 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD KILLED BY GEAR DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 9 15 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI 

THIN AND EXTREMELY LETHARGIC, VETS LISTENED TO THE 

LUNGS AND THEY SOUNDED POOR. FOUND BULLETS AND 

YELLOWISH FLUID IN ABDOMEN X RAY. SI P12 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 9 18 GILLNET FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI 

THIN; ACTIVE ONLY TO TOUCH; HYPOTHERMIC; HEALING 

OLD GILL NET INJURY; INJURY ON LEFT FRONT FLIPPER; 

MALNUTRITION. SI P1 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 9 18 SHOOTING CURRY OR DEAD 

MULTIPLE HEAD AND TORSO GUNSHOT WOUNDS, PELLETS 

COLLECTED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
 

 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

CALL RECEIVED OF POSSIBLY INJURED CSL JUST W OF 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

HUENEME PIER. PEOPLE HARASSING IT. SWIMS OUT TO 

GET AWAY, BUT COMES RIGHT BACK. BY THE TIME CIMWI 

VOLUNTEERS ARRIVED CSL HAD MOVED TO E OF THE PIER. 

APPEARED TO HAVE FISHING LURE IN MOUTH. CSL THIN, 

LETHARGIC. RESCUED. WHATEVER WAS IN MOUTH CAME 

OUT DURING RESCUE. POST NOTE-CSL EXPIRED DURING 

INTAKE/INITIAL TREATMENT. APPEARED TO HAVE AN 

ABSCESS ON THE L NECK/SHOULDER AREA WHICH WAS 

ASPIRATED- BLOOD & CLOTS WERE OBTAINED. AREA WAS 

OPENED- MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF FREE FLOWING BLOOD 

AND CLOTS WERE FOUND. AFTER CSL'S EXPIRATION, A 

QUICK NECROPSY WAS DONE. FOUND SMALL POINTED 

PROJECTILE FROM A PELLET GUN. UNABLE TO LOCATE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 9 18 SHOOTING VENTURA CA SI ENTRY POINT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2014 

2014 

2014 

9 

9 

10 

21 

27 

3 

SHOOTING 

SHORESIDE HAKE MIDWATER 

TRAWL 

CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL 

SAN DIEGO 

OFFSHORE 

OFFSHORE 

CA 

OR 

CA 

SI 

DEAD 

DEAD 

LETHARGIC, PEOPLE WERE CHASING IT INTO THE WATER 

AND THEN HE WOULD IMMEDIATELY COME BACK ONTO 

THE BEACH. WE NOTICED HE WASN'T FOCUSING ON 

ANYTHING AND BOTH EYES DRIFT INWARD. FOUND 

BULLET FRAGMENTS IN AND AROUND EYESOCKET DURING 

XRAYS ON 9/24/2014. 

KILLED BY GEAR 

KILLED BY GEAR 

SI 

DEAD 

DEAD 

P12 

NA 

NA 

1 

1 

1 

N 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 7 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI 

THIN, APPEARED TO BE BLIND; ANIMAL WAS DARTED. XRAYED, FOUND BUCKSHOT IN THE FACE AND BODY. SI P12 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 9 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

FOUR PRONGED BARBED FISHING HOOK WITH A 10" LURE 

ATTACHED HOOKED IN ANIMALS RT CORNER OF MOUTH. 

HAD MONOFILAMENT ATTACHED TO LURE SI P5A 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 10 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI 

LEFT EYE APPEARS TO BE BLIND. VERY THIN/LETHARGIC 

DURING RESCUE. BUCKSHOT FOUND IN CRANIAL AREA 

DURING X-RAYS. SI P12 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 13 MARINE DEBRIS CLATSOP OR SI 

CONSTRICTING INJURY AROUND TORSO AND LOWER 

NECK, APPEARS TO BE ROPE. PHOTO REVIEWED. SI P8A 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 15 CATCH SHARES HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE CA NSI 

SEAL BOMBS USED TO SCARE ANIMAL AWAY FROM 

CATCH. WORKED TEMPORARILY BUT ANIMAL RETURNED. NSI P9 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 15 CATCH SHARES HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE CA NSI 

SEAL BOMBS USED TO SCARE ANIMAL AWAY FROM 

CATCH. WORKED TEMPORARILY BUT ANIMAL RETURNED. NSI P9 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 15 CATCH SHARES HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE CA NSI 

SEAL BOMBS USED TO SCARE ANIMAL AWAY FROM 

CATCH. WORKED TEMPORARILY BUT ANIMAL RETURNED. NSI P9 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 15 CATCH SHARES HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE CA NSI 

SEAL BOMBS USED TO SCARE ANIMAL AWAY FROM 

CATCH. WORKED TEMPORARILY BUT ANIMAL RETURNED. NSI P9 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 18 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI 

XRAYS TAKEN SHOWED BULLET TRACK. BUCK SHOT IN 

ABDOMEN AND 2 BULLETS IN BACK. SI P12 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 19 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI 

ONE CA SEA LION WAS ENTANGLED INSIDE THE NET. THE 

ONE INSIDE THE NET WAS FEEDING ON THE CATCH. A 

SECOND CA SEA LION WAS SWIMMING BENEATH THE 

SURFACE. THE SEA LION STUCK IN THE NET SWAM INTO 

THE NET FROM THE SURFACE WHEN THE NET WAS BEING 

REELED BACK. THE SEA LION WAS RELEASED FROM THE 

NET IN THE WATER AND NEVER BOARDED THE VESSEL. NSI P7B 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 22 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD KILLED BY GEAR, ONE OF THREE ANIMALS IN SINGLE DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 22 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD KILLED BY GEAR, ONE OF THREE ANIMALS IN SINGLE DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 22 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD KILLED BY GEAR, ONE OF THREE ANIMALS IN SINGLE DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 22 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY VENTURA CA SI 

LINE AROUND NECK AT CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR 

MARINA. DARTED WITH TRANQUILIZER, LINE 

REMOVED,TRANQUILIZER REVERSED AND CSL RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 23 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI 

BULLET IN SHOULDER (XRAYS TAKEN 10/24/14) BONE WAS 

STARTING TO FUSE NOT GIVING SUFFICIENT RANGE OF 

MOTION. EUTHANIZED DUE TO POOR PROGNOSIS. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

ANIMAL WAS ALERT AND IN GOOD BODY CONDITION. 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

ABILITY TO MANEUVER WAS LIMITED DUE TO A LARGE 

GAFF IN THE RIGHT SHOULDER WITH 5" HOOK. WE WERE 

ABLE TO REMOVE THE HOOK FROM THE ANIMALS 

SHOULDER. THE HOOK MADE 3 SEPERATE PUNCTURES. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 26 GAFF INJURY SAN DIEGO CA SI TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P12 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 27 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD KILLED IN GEAR DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

GOOD BODY CONDITION, ALERT. HAD MONOFILAMENT 

WRAPPED AROUND NECK WITH HALF OF ITS NECK 

LACERATED. ANIMAL WAS DARTED. NO DETAILS ON 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 27 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI OUTCOME. SI P8A 1 N Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 10 29 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD KILLED IN GEAR DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 11 3 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD KILLED IN GEAR DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 11 4 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM, ONE OF THREE ANIMALS IN SET DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 11 4 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM, ONE OF THREE ANIMALS IN SET DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 11 4 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM, ONE OF THREE ANIMALS IN SET DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 11 6 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD KILLED BY GEAR DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

FISH HOOK LEFT SIDE OF MOUTH, WOUNDS ON 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 11 12 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI ABDOMEN. TREATED AT REHAB, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P5A 1 N Y 

GOOD BODY CONDITION/TEARING. VERTICAL SCAR 

ALONG THE TRACHEA 2 INCHES LONG FISHING LINE 

IMBEDDED AROUND NECK EXCEPT FOR 3-4 INCHES ON 

VENTRAL SIDE OF NECK, SAW DISCHARGE (COULD NOT SEE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 11 13 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI FISHING LINE DUE AT TIME OF RESCUE TO BEING SI P8A 1 N Y 

CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 11 19 MARINE DEBRIS GRAYS HARBOR WA SI MATERIAL UNKNOWN. PHOTO REVIEWED. SI P8A 1 N Y 

GOOD BODY CONDITION, FISHING LINE EMBEDDED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 11 24 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI AROUND THE NECK. SI P8A 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 11 25 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD BULLET HOLES, HEMORRHAGE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISH HOOK ABOVE RIGHT EYE AND SIDE OF BODY, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 11 27 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA NSI UNDERWEIGHT. NSI P5B 0 N N 

A LITTLE THIN, SWOLLEN RIGHT SHOULDER WITH OOZING 

WOUND. X RAYS SHOWED 3 BULLET FRAGMENTS, 2 

ABOVE THE SHOULDER AND 1 AT ZYGOMATIC ARCH. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 12 1 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI UNABLE TO BE REMOVED. SI P12 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 12 12 MARINE DEBRIS MONTEREY CA SI LACERATION AROUND NECK, EMACIATED. SI P8A 1 N Y 

THIN, DEHYDRATED, SWOLLEN RIGHT SHOULDER. XRAYS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 12 23 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI SHOWED BULLET IN LEFT SHOULDER. SI P12 1 N Y 

CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 12 24 MARINE DEBRIS CLATSOP OR SI UNKNOWN MATERIAL. PHOTO REVIEWED. SI P8A 1 N Y 

SHOT IN HEAD, PELLET HOLES, BROKEN BONES, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 12 25 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD HEMORRHAGE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

THIN ADULT MALE WITH SIGNS OF TRAUMA TO HEAD 

AREA. BOTH EYES CLOSED, UNABLE TO OPEN. ANIMAL 

WAS ALSO WEAK. BLOOD SQUIRTED FROM BOTH EYES 

WHEN RESCUE WAS ATTEMPTED. REPORTS OF ANIMAL 

ROLLING IN SURFLINE FROM STONE STEPS TO 

MOONLIGHT BEACH. 12/26/14 XRAYS CONFIRMED GUN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 12 25 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI SHOTS TO HEAD, NECK AND SHOULDER AREA XRAYS SI P12 1 N Y 

FISH HOOK REMOVED FROM LEFT FRONT FLIPPER; THIN; 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2014 12 30 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA NSI MALNUTRITION. NSI P5C 0 N N 

EMACIATED, HOOKS ON FLIPPER, WOUND ON MUZZLE. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 1 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA NSI TREATED IN REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 3 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA DEAD UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH FISHING LINE AROUND DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FEEDING ON CATCH THROUGH NET, SCARED OFF BY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 7 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI YELLING. NSI P4 0 N N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

FEEDING ON CATCH THROUGH NET, SCARED OFF BY 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 7 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI YELLING. NSI P4 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 9 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE WA NSI 

CAUGHT IN TRAWL NET, DUMPED ON BACK DECK, 

JUMPED OVERBOARD, LOOKED UNHARMED. NSI P4 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 15 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI 

SMALL SEA LION BOARDED VESSEL AND REFUSED TO EXIT. 

TRANSPORTED TO SHORE WHERE IT WAS PICKED UP BY 

MARINE MAMMAL RESCUE TEAM. NSI P4 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 16 MARINE DEBRIS LINCOLN OR SI 

WHITE PLASTIC PACKING BAND CUTTING INTO FLESH 

AROUND THE NECK. THE ANIMAL HAS BEEN SIGHTED 

SEVERAL TIMES HAULED OUT ON PORT DOCK #1, AND IS 

ALERT AND ACTIVE. SI P8A 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 16 SHOOTING SAN JOAQUIN CA SI 

EUTHANIZED IN REHAB. BULLET / PELLET RECOVERED 

POSTMORTEM. ANIMAL ALSO HAD 'FANBELT' AROUND 

NECK WHEN FIRST ENCOUNTERED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 17 VEHICLE COLLISION VENTURA CA DEAD DIED AT SITE DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 18 MARINE DEBRIS GRAYS HARBOR WA SI 

ANIMAL WITH WHITE PACKING BAND TIGHTLY AROUND 

NECK. SI P8A 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 20 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD 

SHOTGUN PELLET HOLES/MARKS IN LEFT NECK AND HEAD; 

ROBUST BODY CONDITION; LEFT INTRAORBITAL AREA 

FRAGMENTED WITH ASSOCIATED HEMORRHAGE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 24 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY VENTURA CA SI 

ANIMAL FOUND WITH LINE AROUND NECK, TAKEN TO 

REHAB FACILITY. OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 24 OIL / TAR SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI 

MODERATELY UNDERWEIGHT, WOUND ON BACK OF 

HEAD, DISORIENTED. TAR ON BELLY. TREATED AND 

RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P9 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 25 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT, DEHYDRATED, MUSCLE EDEMA ON 

MUZZLE, FISH HOOK RIGHT SIDE OF MOUTH AND RIGHT 

FLIPPER. TREATED AT REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 26 GILLNET FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN MONOFILAMENT 

NETTING AROUND NECK. TREATED IN REHAB AND 

RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 Y N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 27 DOG ATTACK SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI 

PUBLIC WITNESSED EMACIATED ANIMAL BEING BITTEN BY 

DOG. TRANSFERRED TO REHAB, TREATED AND RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 29 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

GILLNET AROUND NECK. TREATED AND RELEASED FROM 

REHAB FACILITY. NSI P7B 0 Y N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 1 30 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI 

SEA LION DUMPED OUT OF NET ON DECK. JUMPED 

OVERBOARD WITHOUT APPARENT INJURIES. NSI P4 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 1 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA NSI 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH FISH HOOK IN LEFT 

FOREFLIPPER. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 1 OIL / TAR SAN MATEO CA SI 

LETHARGIC, EMACIATED, TAR ON RIGHT CHEST. TREATED 

AND RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P9 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 2 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT; HYPERTHERMIC; FISH HOOK IN 

ESOPHAGUS; FISH LINE IN MOUTH. TREATED AT REHAB 

FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 2 MARINE DEBRIS VENTURA CA SI 

ANIMAL DISENTANGLED FROM UNREPORTED MATERIAL 

IN SITU. NSI P7B 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 4 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI 

EMACIATED, TAR ALL OVER UNDERSIDE OF BODY. DIED IN 

REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 5 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT AND EMACIATED PUP. FISHING HOOK IN 

TONGUE. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. 

ASSUMED DEPENDENT ANIMAL RELEASED ALONE. SI P14 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 5 VESSEL STRIKE SAN DIEGO CA SI 

PROPELLER WOUNDS FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE BACK 

EXTENDING TO THE REAR FLIPPERS AND AROUND 

MAJORITY OF TORSO. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 6 MARINE DEBRIS SANTA CRUZ CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN UNDESCRIBED 

MARINE DEBRIS. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 8 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA NSI 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH FISH HOOK IN LEFT REAR 

FLIPPER. TREATED IN REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 8 MARINE DEBRIS SANTA BARBARA CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN UNDESCRIBED 

MARINE DEBRIS. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 8 MARINE DEBRIS CLATSOP OR SI 

APPEARS TO HAVE A HEALING NECK WOUND FROM A 

PREVIOUS ENTANGLEMENT, BLOOD AROUND THE WOUND 

APPEARS TO BE A ROSY PINK. PSU15-02-08A-ENT-ZC NSI P7B 0 N N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

APPEARS TO BE A SINGLE BAND TYPE OF ENTANGLEMENT 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

AROUND THE NECK AREA, ENTANGLEMENT APPEARS TO 

BE RELATIVELY DEEP BUT CAN'T SEE ACTUAL FLESH OR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 8 MARINE DEBRIS CLATSOP OR SI BLOOD AROUND THE WOUND IN THE PHOTOS. SI P8A 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 9 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI 

FISHING HOOK THROUGH THE SKIN ABOUT THE LEFT 

FRONT FLIPPER. TREATED / RELEASED FROM REHAB NSI P5C 0 N N 

TAR ON NECK, FISH HOOK IN LIP, UNDERWEIGHT. ANIMAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 9 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI TREATED IN REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN UNDESCRIBED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 9 MARINE DEBRIS SANTA CRUZ CA SI MARINE DEBRIS. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MUMMIFIED CARCASS WITH SKULL EXPOSED, CAN SEE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 9 SHOOTING GRAYS HARBOR OR DEAD BULLET ENTRY AND EXIT DAMAGE TO SKULL. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GILLNET ENTANGLEMENT WOUND AROUND NECK, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 10 GILLNET FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

2 INCH WIDE RUBBER BAND AROUND NECK OF 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL. TREATED AT REHAB AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 10 MARINE DEBRIS ORANGE CA SI RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN UNDESCRIBED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 11 MARINE DEBRIS SANTA CRUZ CA SI MARINE DEBRIS. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EMACIATED, TAR PATCHES ON CHIN AND CHEST. TREATED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 11 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI AND RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P9 0 N N 

HOLE CONSISTENT WITH SHOOTING / TRACKING WOUND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 11 SHOOTING SAN FRANCISCO CA DEAD FOUND ON DECOMPOSING ANIMAL. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EMACIATED. SMALL PATCH OF TAR ON RIGHT HIP. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 13 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI EUTHANIZED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GREEN MONOFILAMENT NETTING AROUND NECK WITH 

MULTIPLE KNOTS AND FREE EXPOSED DANGLING LINES, 

WOUND SUPERFICIAL CUTTING INTO SUBCUTANEOUS 

TISSUE ONLY, SMALL TAR PATCH ON RIGHT HIP AREA, 

MODERATELY UNDERWEIGHT. TREATED IN REHAB AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 14 GILLNET FISHERY SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 Y N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 14 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI FISH HOOK IN THROAT. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MULTIPLE FISH HOOKS ON BODY RIGHT FRONT FLIPPER, 

UNDER RIGHT EYE, LEFT SHOULDER AND RIGHT LOWER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 15 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI LIP. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 16 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA DEAD FISHING LINE AROUND NECK. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ENTANGLEMENT SCAR AROUND NECK, PREVIOUS TAG 

HOLES IN BOTH FRONT FLIPPERS BUT NO TAG PRESENT. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 17 MARINE DEBRIS SONOMA CA SI MODERATELY UNDERWEIGHT. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT LETHARGIC ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 18 GILLNET FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI MONOFILAMENT NETTING. DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

FISH HOOK IN MOUTH WITH ABOUT 4 INCHES OF 

MONOFILAMENT LINE. NARRATIVE INDICATED THAT 

REHAB FACILITY REMOVED LINE, BUT DID NOT MENTION 

HOOK. ASSUMED THAT HOOK REMAINS IN MOUTH POSTRELEASE. EMACIATED MALNURISHED PUP WITH MUCUS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 18 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI ON RIGHT EYE. SI P5A 1 N Y 

CARCASS FOUND WITH MONOFILAMENT LINE. DETAILS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 18 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA CRUZ CA DEAD LACKING. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISH HOOKS INDICATED ON LEFT AND RIGHT FLIPPERS. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 19 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA NSI EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISHING HOOKS IN LEFT FLIPPER PIT AND RIGHT FRONT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 19 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI FLIPPER. TREATED IN REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

UNDERWEIGHT, FISH HOOK LEFT REAR FLIPPER. DIED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 19 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA NSI REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN MONOFILAMENT LINE. TREATED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 19 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY VENTURA CA SI AT REHAB FACILITY. NSI P7B 0 N N 

FISHING HOOK REMOVED FROM MOUTH. EMACIATED 

MALNURISHED PUP, ASSUMED DEPENDENT ANIMAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 20 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI RELEASED ALONE AFTER TREATMENT AT REHAB FACILITY. SI P14 1 N Y 

DOG BITES ON NECK. LOOKS LIKE ANIMAL HAD BEEN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 21 DOG ATTACK LOS ANGELES CA DEAD SHAKEN. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH HOOK IN MOUTH. TREATED 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 21 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 21 

UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN 

INTERACTION MENDOCINO CA DEAD HEAD WAS REMOVED FOR UNKNOWN REASON. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 23 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI 

EMACIATED, TAR PATCH ON RIGHT FRONT FLIPPER 

DORSAL SIDE. DIED AT REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 24 GILLNET FISHERY SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI 

LETHARGIC, MONOFILAMENT NETTING CUTTING INTO 

NECK, MODERATELY UNDERWEIGHT, RIGHT EYE CLOUDY. 

ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 25 OIL / TAR LOS ANGELES CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT AND HYPOTHERMIC ANIMAL WITH TAR 

ON FACE AND BODY ABOVE SHOULDER. DIED IN REHAB 

FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 25 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI 

EMACIATED, COUGHING, MULTIPLE TAR PATCHES DORSAL 

SIDE. DIED AT REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 25 OIL / TAR SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT, LETHARGIC, OILED ANIMAL. DIED IN 

REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 25 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH TAR ON FLIPPER AND 

SHOULDER EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 25 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH PNEUMONIA, TAR ON RIGHT 

FRONT FLIPPER AND SHOULDER. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB 

FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 25 VESSEL STRIKE ORANGE CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT, LARGE LACERATIONS ON LOWER BACK 

CONSISTENT WITH PROPELLER INJURY. EUTHANIZED IN 

REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 26 OIL / TAR SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI 

COUGHING, EMACIATED, TAR ON CHEST AND MUZZLE. 

TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB. NSI P9 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 26 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI 

EMACIATED, TAR PATCH ON RIGHT DORSAL 3X5 CM. 

EUTHANIZED AT REHAB CENTER. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 27 GILLNET FISHERY CLATSOP OR SI 

ODFW CONFIRMED ENTANGLEMENT AND IS CURRENTLY 

MONITORING THE ANIMAL. THERE APPEARS TO BE A 

SMALL SECTION OF GILL NET WRAPPED AROUND THE SEA 

LIONS FACE. ONE SQUARE OF GILL NET IS TIGHT WRAPPED 

AROUND THE FACE AND RUNS DOWN THE MIDDLE OF THE 

LEFT EYE, CAUSING THE LEFT EYE TO STAY CLOSED. THE 

LINE IS ORIENTATED BETWEEN THE EAR AND EAR ON THE 

RIGHT SIDE. NO BLOOD OR OPEN WOUND FROM 

ENTANGLEMENT NOTED. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 27 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT PUP WITH TAR PATCHES ON DORSUM. 

TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB. ASSUMED 

DEPENDENT ANIMAL RELEASED ALONE. SI P14 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 27 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI 

EMACIATED. TAR PATCH ON LEFT SHOULDER. DIED IN 

REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 27 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI 

EMACIATED. TAR PATCHES ON BOTH FRONT FLIPPERS AND 

BACK. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 28 OIL / TAR SAN FRANCISCO CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT, LETHARGIC, OILED ANIMAL. DIED IN 

REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 28 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI 

EMACIATED. TAR ON MUZZLE, CHIN, LEFT HIND FLIPPER, 

AND LEFT HIP. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 2 28 VEHICLE COLLISION SAN DIEGO CA DEAD DIED AT SITE DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EMACIATED. TAR PATCH ON RIGHT HIP AND CAUDAL 

ABDOMEN. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY. FINAL OUTCOME 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 1 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI UNKNOWN. SI P9 1 N Y 

EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION; SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF 

BLOODY FLUID IN THORACIC CAVITY; TREMENDOUS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 1 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD HEMORRHAGE ASSOCIATED WITH DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT, LETHARGIC, OILED ANIMAL. DIED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 2 OIL / TAR SAN MATEO CA SI REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 2 VEHICLE COLLISION ORANGE CA SI 

ANIMAL WAS FOUND ON TRAIN TRACKS NEAR TRAIN 

STATION, COMATOSE, JAW BROKEN BLOOD COMING 

FROM MOUTH. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 7 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA NSI 

ANIMAL WITH FISH HOOK IN CHEST THAT FELL OUT WHEN 

RESCUED. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 7 OIL / TAR SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI TAR ON DORSAL PART OF BODY. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

EMACIATED, DEHYDRATED, 2 TREBLE HOOKS IN MOUTH, 1 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

LARGE HOOK REAR FLIPPER, FISHING LINE. TREATED AT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 8 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

SIGHTED IN THE EAST MOORING BASIN WITH A THIN 

WHITE LINE/ROPE AROUND THE NECK AREA. POSSIBLY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 8 MARINE DEBRIS CLATSOP OR SI 1/16-1/8" LINE. PHOTOS SHOWS LINE IS CONSTRICTING SI P8A 1 N Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 8 INTERACTION SAN MATEO CA DEAD GREEN TWINE ENTANGLEMENT. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN PUNCTURE WOUNDS ON JAW AND APPARENT 'BRANDING' 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 8 INTERACTION LOS ANGELES CA SI WOUND. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 9 MARINE DEBRIS DEL NORTE CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN UNKNOWN 

MATERIAL. DIED AT REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 10 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI 

HYPERTHERMIA. LESIONS ON ALL FLIPPERS; 3 FISH HOOKS 

EMBEDDED. TREATED IN REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 14 GILLNET FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI 

ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN MONOFILAMENT NETTING. 

ANIMAL WAS DARTED FOR CAPTURE AND TRANSFER TO 

REHAB, BUT DROWNED BEFORE CAPTURE. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 14 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI 

2 FISH HOOKS EMBEDDED; HYPERTHERMIC; DEEP 

LACERATION UNDER CHIN; PARASITISM. DIED IN REHAB 

FACILITY, NO DETAILS ON SEVERITY OF HOOK PLACEMENT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 14 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION SANTA CRUZ CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH ENTANGLEMENT SCAR ON 

NECK DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 16 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT AND DEHYDRATED. FISH HOOK IN FRONT 

UPPER LEFT LIP. TREATED IN REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 17 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT AND LETHARGIC. HOOK IN RIGHT SIDE OF 

MOUTH. DIAGONAL NECK WOUND ACROSS THROAT. 

TREATED IN REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 17 OIL / TAR SAN DIEGO CA SI 

LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. TREATED IN 

REHAB, RELEASED NSI P9 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 17 OIL / TAR SAN DIEGO CA SI LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 17 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI 

ANIMAL EUTHANIZED. FIVE RUBBER BULLETS FOUND 

DURING SURGERY. ONLY ABLE TO REMOVE THREE AS 

BRAIN WAS EXPOSED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 18 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

FISHING HOOK IN LEFT SIDE OF MOUTH. ANIMAL HAVING 

SEIZURES. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 18 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL ENTANGLED AT BASE OF NECK IN 

FISHING LINE. TREATED IN REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME 

UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 18 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI 

ANIMAL WITH FISHING LINE AND HOOKS DIED IN REHAB 

FACILITY. DETAILS ON HOOK PLACEMENT NOT PROVIDED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 19 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA NSI 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH FISH HOOKS IN RIGHT 

FLIPPER. EUTHANIZED AT REHAB FACILITY DUE TO OTHER 

SYMPTOMS INCLUDING PNEUMONOPATHY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 19 OIL / TAR SAN DIEGO CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT, LETHARGIC. TAR BENEATH THE LEFT 

FLIPPER AND ON THE LEFT FLIPPER. TREATED AND 

RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P9 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 20 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI 

FISH HOOK AND LEAD WEIGHT IN MOUTH. TREATED IN 

REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 22 GILLNET FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT LETHARGIC ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN 

MONOFILAMENT NETTING. DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 22 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA DEAD FISH HOOKS BY NOSTRIL. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 22 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI 

HOOK AND MONOFILAMENT IN ESOPHAGUS. EUTHANIZED 

AT REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH A FISH HOOK IN THE FACE. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 23 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH OIL PARTICLES AND 

SIGNIFICANT BIOCHEMICAL ABNORMALITIES; ANEMIA. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 23 OIL / TAR LOS ANGELES CA SI ANIMAL FOUND ON FREEWAY. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH FISHING HOOK IN LEFT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 25 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI FLIPPER. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 25 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI HOOKS BETWEEN EYES, FISHING LINE AROUND CHEST. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 25 FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT MONTEREY CA SI ENTANGLED IN 'CRAB POTS', DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

MONOFILAMENT NETTING. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 26 GILLNET FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI DETAILS NOT PROVIDED. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 27 OIL / TAR LOS ANGELES CA SI 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH SEIZURES WITH TAR ON 

FLANK AND SHOULDER. EUTHANIZED AT REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EVIDENCE COLLECTED FROM PELVIS; ENTRANCE AND EXIT 

HOLE AND TRACK IN NECK; LEFT SIDE OF SNOUT CUT OFF 

(PROPELLER?); MODERATE AMOUNT OF BLOODY FLUID IN 

THORACIC AND ABDOMINAL CAVITIES; ANIMAL HAD 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 28 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISHING LINE ATTACHED TO FLIPPER AND MOUTH. DIED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 30 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA CRUZ CA SI REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH TAR ON FLIPPERS. DIED AT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 30 OIL / TAR LOS ANGELES CA SI REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SAN MIGUEL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 3 31 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ISLAND CA DEAD DATABASE DETAILS LACKING. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH SEIZURES WITH TAR ON 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 1 OIL / TAR LOS ANGELES CA SI FLIPPERS. EUTHANIZED AT REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISHING HOOK IN LEFT REAR FLIPPER. UNDERWEIGHT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 2 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI ANIMAL TREATED IN REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

FISHING HOOK IN MOUTH AND IN REAR LEFT FLIPPER. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 2 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

FISHING HOOKS FOUND IN LOWER RIGHT SIDE OF JAW (1), 

RIGHT FRONT FLIPPER (1), LEFT SHOULDER (2), AND TWO 

REMOVED FROM STOMACH. TAR ON LEFT SHOULDER AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 3 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI NEAR RIGHT EAR. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH FISH HOOK IN LOWER LEFT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 3 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI JAW. TREATED IN REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

HYPERTHERMIC, 2 FISH HOOKS IN LEFT REAR FLIPPER. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 4 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA NSI DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH FISHING LINE AROUND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 4 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI MOUTH AREA. TREATED IN REHAB FACILITY AND NSI P8B 0 N N 

TWO PENETRATING HOLES IN THE THORACIC AND 

ABDOMINAL CAVITIES WITH ASSOCIATED HEMORRHAGE; 

OTHER AREAS OF HEMORRHAGE IN HEAD AND BODY; 

INTESTINES TIGHTLY TWISTED; ANIMAL HAD EXCELLENT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 4 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MONOFILAMENT NETTING ENTANGLEMENT. TREATED AT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 5 GILLNET FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

LETHARGIC ANIMAL WITH HOOK IN LEFT FOREFLIPPER. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 5 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA NSI TREATED IN REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

FISHING LINE AND HOOKS, LOCATION NOT GIVEN. 

EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. NECROPSY INDICATED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 5 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI ULCERATIVE GASTROPATHY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SKULL DAMAGE INCLUDED BULLET TRACK THROUGH EYE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 5 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD ORBITS & OTHER BONE DAMAGE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT AND DEHYDRATED. ANIMAL HAD HOOK IN 

MOUTH WHEN PICKED UP. ANIMAL REMOVED IT EN 

ROUTE TO SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO. TREATED IN REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 6 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

GUNSHOT PELLETS FOUND POSTMORTEM. ANIMAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 6 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 7 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 7 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 7 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MONOFILAMENT NETTING, INJURY DETAILS NOT 

PROVIDED, ASSUMED SERIOUS INJURY. ANIMAL TREATED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 7 GILLNET FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI AT REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

RED FISHING LURE HANGING FROM THE LEFT CORNER OF 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

THE LOWER JAW. PHOTO SHOWS HOOKS ARE LIKELY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 7 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY CLATSOP OR SI INSIDE LEFT CORNER OF MOUTH. SI P5A 1 N Y 

DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. HOOK, FISHING LURE, AND LINE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 7 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI FOUND. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 8 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 8 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 8 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 8 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI FISH HOOKS, DETAILS NOT GIVEN. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 8 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI HOOK IN CHEST WITH LINE. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EMACIATED, CONGESTED AND COUGHING, TAR PATCHES 

ON BACK. BAD LOCATION- POPULAR DOG BEACH. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 8 OIL / TAR SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI EUTHANIZED AT REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 11 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI FISH HOOKS IN MOUTH. DIED AT REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISHING LURE, HOOK AND LINE ENTANGLEMENT. DIED AT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 11 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH FISH HOOKS IN MOUTH. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 12 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI TREATED IN REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

ANIMAL WITH UNSPECIFIED FISH HOOK INJURIES DIED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 12 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CONSTRICTING AND LACERATED FISHING LINE INJURIES 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 13 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI AROUND NECK. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 14 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH TAR / OIL. DIED IN REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 16 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH FISH HOOK IN LEFT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 17 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA NSI SHOULDER. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH FISH HOOKS IN ABDOMEN AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 18 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI ABCESS IN RIGHT JAW. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 18 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA NSI FISH HOOK IN FLIPPER. TREATED IN REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN MONOFILAMENT NETTING DIED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 20 GILLNET FISHERY SANTA CRUZ CA SI IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SEAWORLD TEAM DISENTAGLED ANIMAL AND CUT OFF 

MONOFILAMENT FROM AROUND HEAD AND MOUTH. 

ANIMAL WAS AN EXCELLENT WEIGHT AND AGGRESSIVE. IT 

WAS RELEASED ON SITE AFTER MONOFILAMENT HAD 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 20 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI BEEN REMOVED. NSI P8A 0 N N 

HEALTHY, AGGRESSIVE ANIMAL WITH FISHING HOOK 

PIERCING BELOW BOTTOM JAW. HOOK REMOVED AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 20 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI ANIMAL RELEASED ON SITE. NSI P5C 0 N N 

FISHING LINE COMING OUT OF MOUTH. EUTHANIZED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 20 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 21 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 21 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 21 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 21 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 22 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 22 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI FISH HOOKS, DETAILS NOT GIVEN. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MONOFILAMENT NETTING, INJURY DETAILS NOT 

PROVIDED, ASSUMED SERIOUS INJURY. ANIMAL TREATED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 23 GILLNET FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI AT REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

NECK ENTANGLEMENT IN MONOFILAMENT NETTING. DIED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 23 GILLNET FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

FISHING HOOK IN LEFT FRONT FLIPPER, VENTRAL SIDE. 

PUSHED THROUGH AND CUT OFF, RELEASED FROM REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 23 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI FACILITY. SLIGHTLY UNDERWEIGHT. NSI P5C 0 N N 

GUNSHOT PELLET FOUND IN HEAD POSTMORTEM. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 25 SHOOTING MONTEREY CA SI EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

TWO SUSPICIOUS HOLES WITH ASSOCIATED TREMENDOUS 

HEMORRHAGE; HEMORRHAGE IN HEAD; ANIMAL HAD 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 27 SHOOTING CLARK WA DEAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 28 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 28 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH FISHING LINE IN MOUTH. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 28 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY VENTURA CA SI TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY. NSI P5C 0 N N 

SEVERE, DEEP AND OPEN PROPELLER INJURY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 4 28 VESSEL STRIKE KING WA SI (LACERATION) EXTENDING DOWN NECK TO BASE OF SI P9 1 N Y 

FISHING LINE EMBEDDED IN HEALED NECK WOUND. 

EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEHYDRATION AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 1 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI PARASITISM NOTED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ADULT MALE CALIFORNIA SEA LION HAULED OUT ON 

PORT DOCK 1 WITH A PLASTIC PACKING BAND AROUND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 3 MARINE DEBRIS LINCOLN OR SI THE NECK, CUTTING INTO FLESH VENTRALLY. SI P8A 1 N Y 

FISHING WIRE AROUND NECK; LESIONS ON ALL FLIPPERS; 

THIN; CONGESTION; RESPIRATION LABORED. EUTHANIZED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 4 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI AT REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL WITH UNSPECIFIED FISH HOOK INJURIES DIED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 5 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA CRUZ CA SI REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ADULT MALE CALIFORNIA SEA LION HAULED OUT ON 

PORT DOCK 1 WITH A PLASTIC PACKING BANDOR FISHING 

LINE WRAPPED VERY TIGHTLY AROUND THE NECK. VERY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 5 MARINE DEBRIS LINCOLN OR SI ACTIVE AND COMING AND GOING FROM THE SITE. SI P8A 1 N Y 

LONG LINEAR LACERATION, LEFT REAR FLIPPER. 

UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL TAKEN TO REHAB FACILITY, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 5 INTERACTION LOS ANGELES CA SI TREATED AND RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 

GILL NET IN MOUTH AND THROAT; EVIDENCE IN NECK; 

ASPHYXIATION AND PULMONARY ASPIRATION CAUSED BY 

INGESTION OF GILL NET AND AMERICAN SHAD THAT WAS 

LODGED IN THROAT; TREMENDOUS HEMORRHAGE AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 6 GILLNET FISHERY COLUMBIA OR DEAD CLOTTING IN NECK. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

FISHING HOOK AND LINE IN LEFT FRONT FLIPPER NEAR 

BEND OF FLIPPER ON VENTRAL SIDE. REMOVED ON SITE, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 6 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI BUT HAD PUSS POCKET. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND NSI P5C 0 N N 

FISHING LINE IN MOUTH. TWO HOOKS SEEN, ONLY ONE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 7 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI WAS FOUND. TREATED IN REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

HOOK REMOVED FROM LEFT SIDE OF MUZZLE. HAD A 

LARGE LURE REMOVED BY VETERINARIAN. TREATED AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 7 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P5C 0 N N 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH TAR / OIL AND FISHING 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 8 OIL / TAR SAN DIEGO CA SI LINE ON FUR. RASPY COUGH. TREATED IN REHAB AND NSI P9 0 N N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

EVIDENCE FOUND IN BODY; HEMORRHAGE AND TISSUE 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

DAMAGE LOCATED IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE BODY; 

ANIMAL HAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. NOAA 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 8 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD ENFORCEMENT CASE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 9 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI 

FISHING HOOKS IN MOUTH. HOOKS REMOVED AT REHAB 

FACILITY, TREATED AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

APPROACHING PEOPLE, MODERATELY UNDERWEIGHT. 

TAR PATCHES ON VENTRUM AND DORSUM. DIED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 9 OIL / TAR MARIN CA SI REHAB FACILITY. 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 13 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 13 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 13 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 13 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 13 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 13 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL TRANSFERRED TO CAPTIVE CAPTIVITY NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 13 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL TRANSFERRED TO CAPTIVE CAPTIVITY NA 1 N Y 

ABCESS ON LEFT SIDE, SUSPECTED GUNSHOT/PUNCTURE 

BLEEDING WOUND ON LEFT SHOULDER. DEHYDRATED, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 13 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI LETHARGIC. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 14 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 14 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 14 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MONOFILAMENT NETTING. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 16 GILLNET FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI DETAILS NOT PROVIDED. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH TWO FISH HOOKS IN THE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 16 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA CRUZ CA SI HEAD. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN MONOFILAMENT NETTING, DIED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 18 GILLNET FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH PNEUMONIA HARASSED BY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 18 HARASSMENT SANTA CRUZ CA SI THE PUBLIC. TRANSFERRED TO PUBLIC DISPLAY FACILITY. CAPTIVITY P9 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 19 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 19 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 19 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 19 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 19 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 19 MARINE DEBRIS LOS ANGELES CA SI 

EMACIATED ANIMAL HAD CIRCUMFERENTIAL 

CONSTRICTING NECK WOUND FROM STRAPPING 

MATERIAL. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 19 SHOOTING COWLITZ WA DEAD EVIDENCE FOUND IN SKULL. NOAA ENFORCEMENT CASE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 20 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 20 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 20 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2015 

2015 

2015 

5 

5 

5 

20 

21 

22 

MARINE DEBRIS 

OIL / TAR 

GILLNET FISHERY 

MARIN 

SANTA BARBARA 

SAN DIEGO 

CA 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

SI 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN UNDESCRIBED 

MARINE DEBRIS. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. 

ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

RESPONSE. 26-50% EXTERNAL OIL SEEN. HEAD, HIND AND 

FRONT FLIPPERS, VENTRUM, THROAT, MOUTH OILED. 

DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. 

CONSTRICTING MONOFILAMENT GILLNET INJURY 

AROUND NECK. TREATED IN REHAB FACILITY AND 

DEAD 

DEAD 

NSI 

NA 

NA 

P7B 

1 

1 

0 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

Y 

N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2015 

2015 

5 

5 

22 

22 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

SANTA BARBARA 

VENTURA 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

UNDERWEIGHT, MILD DEHYDRATION, 1 CENTIMETER 

WOUND ON LEFT FLIPPER. OIL ON MUZZLE. 2-25% 

EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. OIL ON VENTRAL THORAX, 

ABDOMEN, FRONT FLIPPERS. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART 

OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. TREATED AND 

RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. 

ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

RESPONSE. 2-25% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. OIL ON PELAGE 

ON CHIN. OIL PRESENT ON CHIN, ABDOMEN, DORSAL 

SURFACE OF BOTH FRONT FLIPPERS, BOTH REAR FLIPPERS. 

DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. 

NSI 

DEAD 

P9 

NA 

0 

1 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2015 

2015 

2015 

5 

5 

5 

22 

22 

23 

OIL / TAR 

UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN 

INTERACTION 

MARINE DEBRIS 

VENTURA 

LOS ANGELES 

SANTA BARBARA 

CA 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

SI 

EMACIATED, LETHARGIC. APPROX. 10% OIL/TAR ON BODY. 

TRANSPORTED TO OWCN FIELD TRIAGE. FINAL OUTCOME 

UNKNOWN. 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH LACERATIONS ON LEFT SIDE 

OF BODY; SEVERAL CUTS TO LEFT FOREFLIPPER; CITIZEN 

APPLIED TISSUE GLUE TO WOUNDS TRAPPING DEBRIS. 

TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN UNDESCRIBED 

MARINE DEBRIS. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. 

SI 

NSI 

DEAD 

P9 

P9 

NA 

1 

0 

1 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

N 

Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2015 

2015 

5 

5 

23 

23 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

VENTURA 

SANTA BARBARA 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

ANIMAL TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB. 2-25% 

EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. OPEN LESIONS ON FIRST DIGIT ON 

RIGHT FRONT FLIPPER AND RECTUM. MODERATE 

DEHYDRATION. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO 

BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. 

MILD DEHYDRATION. 2-25% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. OIL 

ON FUR ALONG FLIPPERS, CHEST, VESTRUM, ABOVE LEFT 

EYE, AND LEFT SIDE OF FACE. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART 

OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. TREATED AT 

REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. 

NSI 

NSI 

P9 

P9 

0 

0 

N 

N 

N 

N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2015 

2015 

5 

5 

23 

23 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

SANTA BARBARA 

SANTA BARBARA 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

26-50% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS 

PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. OIL AND 

BLOOD SAMPLES WERE TAKEN ACCORDING TO NATIONAL 

OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION AND 

OILED WILDLIFE CARE NETWORK OIL SPILL RESPONSE 

PROTOCOLS. TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB 

OIL ON BODY,STRONG PETROLEUM ODOR. TRANSPORTED 

TO OWCN FIELD TRIAGE. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. 

NSI 

SI 

P9 

P9 

0 

1 

N 

N 

N 

Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

VERY THIN CSL WITH OIL ON BODY. TRANSPORTED TO 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2015 

2015 

5 

5 

23 

23 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

VENTURA 

SAN LUIS OBISPO 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

OWCN FIELD TRIAGE. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH A LOT OF TAR ON 

ABDOMEN. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. 

SI 

DEAD 

P9 

NA 

1 

1 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 23 

UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN 

INTERACTION VENTURA CA SI 

ANIMAL FOUND WITH SPEAR IN SIDE, TRANSFERRED TO 

REHAB. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P9 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 24 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

FISHING HOOK IN MOUTH. TREATED IN REHAB FACILITY 

AND RELEASED. ANIMAL RESTRANDED IN MONTEREY IN 

NOVEMBER, UNDERWEIGHT. CONSIDERED SERIOUS 

INJURY DESPITE REHAB EFFORTS DUE TO ANIMAL SI P1 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 24 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI 

HYPOTHERMIC; COMATOSE; FISHING LINE DOWN 

THROAT; UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MODERATE DEHYDRATION. 2-25% EXTERNAL OILING 

SEEN. ANIMAL PICKED UP AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 24 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI SPILL RESPONSE. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. 

UNDERWEIGHT, MILD DEHYDRATION. 26-50% EXTERNAL 

DEAD NA 1 N Y 

OILING SEEN. SUPERFICIAL OIL COVERING OF FLIPPERS, 

VENTRUM, HEAD, THROAT. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART 

OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. TREATED AT 

REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED WITH SATELLITE 

TRANSMITTER. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN, NO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 24 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON SATELLITE TRACKING RESULTS. NSI P9 0 N N 

THIN, MODERATE DEHYDRATION. 2-25% EXTERNAL OILING 

SEEN. OIL ON VENTRAL THORAX, ABDOMEN, AND 

LEADING EDGE OF FORE AND HIND FLIPPERS. ANIMAL 

COLLECTED AS PART OF THE REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 24 OIL / TAR VENTURA CA SI RESPONSE. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EVIDENCE COLLECTED FROM SKULL. NOAA ENFORCEMENT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 24 SHOOTING UNKNOWN OR DEAD CASE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH FISH HOOKS IN MOUTH. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 25 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH MULTIPLE FISH HOOK 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 25 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI INJURIES, DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 25 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI 

LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. TREATED IN 

REHAB, RELEASED 

TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB. MILD 

NSI P9 0 N N 

DEHYDRATION. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. 

SUPERFICIAL OIL SHEEN ON VENTRUM AND FLIPPERS. 

ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 25 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI RESPONSE. 

UNDERWEIGHT AND DEHYDRATED. LESS THAN 2% 

NSI P9 0 N N 

EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. OIL ON RIGHT FRONT FLIPPER. 

SCANT SHEEN ON HIND FLIPPERS AND RIGHT VENTRAL 

CERVICAL AREA. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO 

BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. ANIMAL TREATED AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 25 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P9 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2015 

2015 

5 

5 

25 

26 

OIL / TAR 

SHOOTING 

SANTA BARBARA 

PACIFIC 

CA 

WA 

SI 

DEAD 

ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

RESPONSE. 26-50% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. OIL SPOTS ON 

LEFT HOP, VENTRUM, MUZZLE, HEAD, VENTRAL NECK, 

FRONT FLIPPERS. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. 

EVIDENCE IN BODY W/ASSOC. HEMORRHAGE; BLOOD 

FROM NOSE AND LEFT EYE; TREMENDOUS HEMORRHAGE 

IN HEAD AND BODY; RIGHT LUNG HEMORRHAGED WITH 

POSSIBLE TRACK/HOLE; RIGHT PLEURAL CAVITY FILLED 

WITH BLOOD; ANIMAL HAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. 

NOAA ENFORCEMENT CASE. 

DEAD 

DEAD 

NA 

NA 

1 

1 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

SEA LION HAD A 2 FOOT SPEAR ON HIS LEFT MIDSECTION
 

SIDE, STICKING OUT OF HIM. IT WAS REMOVED ON SITE. 

LACERATION SIZE IS 6 INCHES TO 8 INCHES LONG AND 5
 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 26 SPEARING VENTURA CA SI INCHES WIDE. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y
 
 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

PUP HAD TWO FISHING HOOKS IN MOUTH WITH 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

MONOFILAMENT. ONE HOOK IN EACH SIDE OF THE 

MOUTH. TREATED IN REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. 

TREATED AS SERIOUS INJURY BECAUSE ANIMAL MAY BE A 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 27 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI DEPENDENT PUP RELEASED ALONE. SI P14 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL. FISH HOOK FOUND IN STOMACH.
 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 27 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI ULCERATIVE GASTRITUS. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y
 

LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. TREATED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 27 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI REHAB, RELEASED NSI P9 0 N N 

1 CENTIMETER LACERATION OVER RIGHT HIP. ANIMAL 

WAS COLLECTED AS PART OF THE REFUGIO BEACH OIL 

SPILL RESPONSE. HAD 51-75% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 27 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT, MILD DEHYDRATION. 51-75% EXTERNAL 

OILING SEEN. OIL AROUND EYES AND NOSE, ALL FLIPPERS, 

ENTIRE VENTRAL SIDE. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF 

REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. TREATED AT REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 27 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI AND RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 

UNDERWEIGHT. 26-50% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. OIL SEEN 

AROUND MUZZLE AND EYES. OIL SHEEN ON FLIPPERS AND 

DORSAL BODY. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO 

BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. TREATED AND RELEASED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 27 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P9 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 28 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2015 

2015 

2015 

5 

5 

5 

28 

28 

28 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

SANTA BARBARA 

SANTA BARBARA 

VENTURA 

CA 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

SI 

ANIMAL TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. 

DIARRHEA. OIL IN BETWEEN VIBRISSAE. LESS THAN 2% 

EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF 

THE REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. 

ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

RESPONSE. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL TREATED AND RELEASED FROM 

REHAB. 

ANIMAL DESCRIBED AS 'OILED' BROUGHT TO REHAB 

FACILITY. OUTCOME UNKNOWN. 

NSI 

NSI 

SI 

P9 

P9 

P9 

0 

0 

1 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2015 

2015 

2015 

5 

5 

5 

29 

29 

30 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

SANTA BARBARA 

SANTA BARBARA 

VENTURA 

CA 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

SI 

LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. TREATED IN 

REHAB, RELEASED 

UNDERWEIGHT. ANIMAL GOT OUT OF TRANSPORT 

CARRIER AND FELL OFF TRUCK. 2-25% EXTERNAL OILING 

SEEN ON HEAD AND ABDOMEN. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS 

PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. 

2-25% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN ON MUZZLE, RIGHT 

LATERAL ABDOMEN, RIGHT SHOULDER, HEAD AND NECK. 

THIN AND DEHYDRATED. OPEN LESION ON LEFT 

MANDIBLE, NEXT TO THIRD POSTERIOR CANINE. DIED IN 

REHAB FACILITY. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF 

REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. 

NSI 

DEAD 

DEAD 

P9 

NA 

NA 

0 

1 

1 

N 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2015 

2015 

2015 

5 

5 

5 

30 

30 

31 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

SANTA BARBARA 

VENTURA 

SANTA BARBARA 

CA 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

SI 

DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF 

THE REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. 2-25% 

EXTERNAL OILING SEEN ON REAR END, HIND FLIPPERS, 

LEFT SCAPULA, AND NEAR EYES. 

ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. ANIMAL WAS PICKED UP 

ALIVE FROM THE OIL SPILL ZONE. 5% EXTERNAL OILING 

SEEN ON LEFT LATERAL CAUDAL. EMACIATED. 

SUPERFICIAL ABRASIONS ON VENTRAL SIDE OF ALL 

FLIPPERS. DEHYDRATED. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF 

REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL. 

2-25% EXTERNAL OILING NOTED. TREATED IN REHAB, 

RELEASED 

DEAD 

DEAD 

NSI 

NA 

NA 

P9 

1 

1 

0 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

N 

LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN ON LEFT TARSAS, 

HIND FLIPPER AND TAIL, RIGHT FLIPPER AXILLARY. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 31 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI TREATED IN REHAB, RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

MILDLY DEHYDRATED, THIN. LESION ON MIDDLE OF 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

TONGUE AND UNDER LEFT EYE. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL 

OILING SEEN ON RIGHT HIP, RIGHT SIDE AND ON CHEST. 

ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 31 OIL / TAR VENTURA CA SI RESPONSE. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MODERATELY DEHYDRATED. RIGHT FRONT FLIPPER 

SWOLLEN. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN ON 

SNOUT, NECK, VENTRAL THORAX, AROUND EYES, AND 

CHEST. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 5 31 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI OIL SPILL RESPONSE. ANIMAL EUTHANIZED IN REHAB DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

RESPONSE. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING PREVIOUSLY 

SEEN NEAR BASE OF TAIL. UPON INTAKE, NO OIL WAS 

VISIBLE. ANIMAL WAS THIN AND MILDLY DEHYDRATED. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 1 OIL / TAR VENTURA CA SI DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2015 

2015 

2015 

6 

6 

6 

1 

2 

3 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

SANTA BARBARA 

SANTA BARBARA 

SANTA BARBARA 

CA 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

SI 

ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF THE REFUGIO BEACH OIL 

SPILL RESPONSE. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN 

ON REAR END. THIN AND SLIGHTLY DEHYDRATED. DIED IN 

REHAB FACILITY. 

UNDERWEIGHT, DEHYDRATED. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL 

OILING SEEN IN PATCHES ON DORSAL, AND SURFACE OF 

VENTRUM. SPOTS ON LEFT MUZZLE AND VENTRAL BODY. 

MILD FORE-FLIPPER PATCHES ON DORSAL SIDE. ANIMAL 

WAS COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

RESPONSE. RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. 

2-25% EXTERNAL OILING NOTED. TREATED IN REHAB AND 

RELEASED. 

DEAD 

NSI 

NSI 

NA 

P9 

P9 

1 

0 

0 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

N 

N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2015 

2015 

6 

6 

3 

4 

OIL / TAR 

MARINE DEBRIS 

LOS ANGELES 

LINCOLN 

CA 

OR 

DEAD 

SI 

LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. DIED IN REHAB. 

ROPE WAS SEEN WRAPPED AROUND ANIMAL'S BODY FOR 

SEVERAL HOURS BEFORE IT MANAGED TO FREE ITSELF, 

PHOTO IN HMSC ARCHIVE 

DEAD 

NSI 

NA 

P7B 

1 

0 

N 

N 

Y 

N 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH NECK ENTANGLEMENT IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 5 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI FISHING LINE. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN ON 

LEFT SHOULDER. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF 

REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. TREATED AT REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 5 OIL / TAR VENTURA CA SI FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 

EVIDENCE FOUND IN HEAD; THE HEART AND SOME AREAS 

OF THE BODY HEMORRHAGED; THE ANIMAL HAD 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 5 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. NOAA ENFORCEMENT DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN GEAR OR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 6 INTERACTION SANTA BARBARA CA SI MATERIAL OF UNKNOWN TYPE, TREATED AT REHAB NSI P7B 0 Y N 

ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

RESPONSE. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN ON LEFT 

NECK AND VENTRUM (MID THORAX). OIL AND BLOOD 

SAMPLES WERE TAKEN. TREATED IN REHAB FACILITY AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 7 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 8 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD HAULED ABOARD DEAD IN NET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 11 SHOOTING SANTA BARBARA CA SI EUTHANIZED IN REHAB. BULLET RECOVERED DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 12 OIL / TAR VENTURA CA SI 

LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. TREATED IN 

REHAB, RELEASED NSI P9 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 13 OIL / TAR VENTURA CA SI 

LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. TREATED IN 

REHAB, RELEASED NSI P9 0 N N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

RESPONSE. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN ON 

RIGHT SHOULDER. ANIMAL HAD MULTIPLE SEIZURES ON 

THE BEACH BEFORE AND DURING RESCUE. 2 FULL BODY 

SEIZURES, ABOUT 1 MINUTE LONG EACH, FOLLOWED BY 

SEVERAL SHORTER SEIZURES. ON ARRIVAL TO FACILITY, 

TWITCHING FOLLOWED BY GRAND MAL SEIZURE (FACIAL 

TWITCHING, JACK SMACKING, FLIPPER FLAPPING). 

SEIZURES STOPPED AFTER FIVE MINUTES. SEIZURE 

ACTIVITY RESUMED LATER ON IN THE NIGHT AND AGAIN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 14 OIL / TAR VENTURA CA SI THE NEXT MORNING. ANIMAL EUTHANIZED IN REHAB DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

RESPONSE. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN 

AROUND LEFT HIP AND LEFT CERVICAL REGION. MILD 

DEHYDRATION. MILD SWOLLEN VULVA. ANIMAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 14 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI EUTHANIZED AT REHAB FACILITY. 

UNDERWEIGHT, DEHYDRATED, DIARRHEA. LESS THAN 2% 

EXTERNAL OILING SEEN ON LEFT SHOULDER. ANIMAL 

DEAD NA 1 N Y 

COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 14 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI RESPONSE. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 

UNDERWEIGHT, DEHYDRATED. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL 

OILING SEEN ON RIGHT HIP. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART 

OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL REPONSE. RELEASED FROM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 14 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI REHAB FACILITY. 

UNDERWEIGHT. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN ON 

NSI P9 0 N N 

RIGHT SHOULDER, RIGHT AXILLARY, AND LEFT NECK. 

ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF THE REFUGIO BEACH OIL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2015 

2015 

6 

6 

14 

16 

OIL / TAR 

HOOK AND LINE FISHER

VENTURA 

Y ORANGE 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

SPILL RESPONSE. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. 

HOOK IN MOUTH. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND 

RELEASED. 

DEAD 

NSI 

NA 

P5C 

1 

0 

N 

N 

Y 

N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2015 

2015 

2015 

2015 

6 

6 

6 

6 

16 

16 

17 

17 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

HARASSMENT 

SHOOTING 

SANTA BARBARA 

VENTURA 

ORANGE 

SAN LUIS OBISPO 

CA 

CA 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

SI 

SI 

LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN. DIED IN REHAB. 

ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. EMACIATED. 

LACERATIONS ON FLIPPERS. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL 

SUSPECT OILING SEEN ON RIGHT LATERAL ELBOW. 

ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

PUBLIC PICKING UP APPROX. 1 WEEK OLD PUP. 

TRANSFERRED TO REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. 

ANIMAL HAD MULTIPLE INJURIES (ENTANGLEMENT, 

VESSEL STRIKE, GUNSHOT). EUTHANIZED IN REHAB 

DEAD 

DEAD 

SI 

DEAD 

NA 

NA 

P14 

NA 

1 

1 

1 

1 

N 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 18 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD 

RESTRICTIVE ENTANGLEMENT OF MONOFILAMENT LINE 

AROUND NECK LACERATED BLUBBER AND MUSCLE, DOWN 

TO TRACHEA. LINE LIKELY LACERATED MAJOR ARTERY, 

WHICH WOULD HAVE CAUSED BLOOD LOSS AND DEATH. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 18 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI 

MODERATELY UNDERWEIGHT, TREBLE HOOK AND LURE IN 

REAR FLIPPER. TRANSFERRED TO PUBLIC DISPLAY FACILITY 

AFTER REHAB. CAPTIVITY NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 18 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD HAULED ABOARD DEAD IN NET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 18 SHOOTING LINCOLN OR SI GUNSHOT WOUND TO HEAD. NO FURTHER DETAILS. SI P9 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 19 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD HAULED ABOARD DEAD IN NET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 22 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

FISHING HOOK STUCK IN MOUTH. ACTIVE, ALERT, LOOSE 

STOOLS, FAIR BODY CONDITION. TREATED AND RELEASED 

FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P5C 0 N N 

SWOLLEN LEFT FLIPPER. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING 

SEEN. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH 

OIL SPILL RESPONSE. ANIMAL WAS PICKED UP ALIVE FROM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 22 OIL / TAR VENTURA CA SI THE OIL SPILL ZONE. DIED IN CARE AT FORT MACARTHUR. 

EVIDENCE FROM BODY W/ASSOC. TRACKING WOUNDS 

AND TRAUMA; EXTENSIVE HEMORRHAGE IN HEAD AND 

DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 23 SHOOTING UNKNOWN OR DEAD BODY. ANIMAL HAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

EMACIATED, DEHYDRATED, FISH HOOK REAR FLIPPER. 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. NECROPSY NOTED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 24 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI GASTROPATHY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 28 GILLNET FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI 

CLEAR MONOFILAMENT NETTING TANGLED AROUND 

NECK. ANIMAL TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME 

UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 28 MARINE DEBRIS MONTEREY CA DEAD FOUND IN TRASHBAG. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVED FISHING LINE FROM AROUND NECK; 1 CM DEEP 

CHRONIC WOUND OVER SHOULDER JOINTS BILATERALLY; 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 6 29 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI HYPERTHERMIC; UNDERWEIGHT. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GILL NET TIGHTLY AROUND NECK, EMACIATED, 

DEHYDRATED, NECK WOUND. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 7 5 GILLNET FISHERY ORANGE CA SI FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A DEAD CALIFORNIA SEA LION WAS DISCOVERED DURING 

HAUL BACK IN A PELAGIC LONGLINE. THE ANIMAL WAS 

FOUL-HOOKED IN ITS BACK THROUGH ITS FUR AND SKIN. 

THIS TAKE OCCURRED DURING AN EXPERIMENTAL SET 

(BLUE SHARK SURVIVAL STUDY). THE APPROXIMATE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 7 8 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH VENTURA CA DEAD DEPTH OF THE LINE WAS 60 M. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 7 9 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD HAULED ABOARD DEAD IN NET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 7 9 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI HOOK FOUND PERFORATING ESOPHAGUS ON NECROPSY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY DIED DURING TRANSPORT TO REHAB. DETAILS ON NATURE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 7 9 INTERACTION LOS ANGELES CA SI OF FISHERY-RELATED INJURY NOT PROVIDED. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SELF-REPORTED DROWNING OF SEA LION IN GROUNDFISH 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 7 10 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD NET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SUSPECTED SHOOTING. HOLES WITH ASSOCIATED 

TREMENDOUS HEMORRHAGE IN BODY; AREAS OF BLACK 

TISSUE (FROM LEAD?); AT LEAST TWO SHATTERED RIBS AT 

STERNUM W/ASSOCIATED TISSUE. DAMAGE AND 

HEMORRHAGE; HEART AND LUNG HEMORRHAGED; 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 7 10 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD ANIMAL HAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 7 14 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI FISH HOOK IN MOUTH. ANIMAL EUTHANIZED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

YELLOW WAX MARKINGS ON DORSAL SURFACE. TMMC 

RESCUE TEAM SAID ANIMAL WAS ALERT AND ACTIVE AND 

THEN SUDDENLY SEIZED AND DIED ON THE BEACH. THE 

ANIMAL WAS PICKED UP LESS THAN 24 HOURS LATER. 

UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN ANIMAL WAS FRESH BUT MISSING EYES AND HAD A 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 7 15 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA DEAD SMALL HOLE UNDERNEATH THE FRONT LEFT FLIPPER. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN TRAUMA TO MOUTH. SUSPECTED SEAL BOMB OR OTHER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 7 17 INTERACTION SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY BROKEN JAW, SUSPECTED SEAL BOMB INJURY. ANIMAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 7 25 INTERACTION SAN MATEO CA SI DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

PLASTIC PACKING BAND TIGHTLY WRAPPED AROUND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 7 27 MARINE DEBRIS LINCOLN OR SI NECK; CUTTING INTO FLESH; PUS EVIDENT. SI P8A 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 7 30 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD HAULED ABOARD DEAD IN NET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 8 1 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD MONOFILAMENT LINE AROUND BOTH FRONT FLIPPERS. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY THIS ANIMAL WAS ENTANGLED AND PULLED UP DEAD ON 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 8 2 INTERACTION SAN FRANCISCO CA DEAD A FISHING BOAT. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

LETHARGIC ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN MONOFILAMENT 

NETTING AROUND NECK AND FLIPPERS. DIED IN REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 8 3 GILLNET FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

APPARENT DEEP MONOFILAMENT WOUND ON NECK. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 8 7 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN FRANCISCO CA SI RESCUE EFFORT FAILED. SI P8A 1 N Y 

NECK ENTANGLEMENT IN MONOFILAMENT NETTING. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 8 9 GILLNET FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI SENT TO REHAB FACILITY, UNKNOWN OUTCOME. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 8 13 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD HAULED ABOARD DEAD IN NET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MULTIPLE HOLES WITH ASSOCIATED HEMORRHAGE IN 

BODY AND POSTERIOR HEAD; PART OF LEFT SKULL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 8 13 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD "BLOWN AWAY"; NECK TREMENDOUSLY HEMORRHAGED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 8 19 SHOOTING MARIN CA DEAD BULLET HOLES IN CHEST. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SELF-REPORTED DROWNING OF SEA LION IN GROUNDFISH 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 8 20 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD NET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

PACKING BAND OR FISHING LINE CUTTING DEEPLY INTO 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 8 23 MARINE DEBRIS GRAYS HARBOR WA SI NECK OF ANIMAL. SI P8A 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 8 25 DOG ATTACK HUMBOLDT CA SI 

DOG BITES ON BACK AND STOMACH. TREATED IN REHAB 

AND RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 

FISH HOOK IN ESOPHAGUS. TREATED IN REHAB FACILITY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 8 29 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

ANIMAL HAD FISHING LINE CUTTING INTO ITS NECK. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 9 5 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI TREATED IN REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P8A 0 N N 

MONOFILAMENT AROUND NECK, NOT CUTTING INTO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 9 5 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI ANIMAL. TREATED IN REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P8B 0 N N 

FISHING LINE IN MOUTH. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY 

AND RELEASED. NO DETAILS ON WHETHER HOOKS WERE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 9 6 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

PRESENT AND/OR REMOVED. ASSUMED SERIOUS INJURY 

BECAUSE OF PROBABLE GEAR INGESTION. SI P2 1 N Y 

HOLES, HEMORRHAGE, AND OTHER TRAUMA CONSISTENT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 9 13 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD WITH SHOOTING. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

THE SALMON OCEAN ECOLOGY TEAM WAS REVIEWING GOPRO FOOTAGE FROM THEIR TRAWL ON 9/14/2015 AND 

NOTICED A SEA LION ACTIVELY SWIMMING IN AND OUT 

OF THE TRAWL INTERMEDIATE SECTION THROUGH THE 

MOUTH OF THE NET, AND THEN EVENTUALLY LEAVING 

THE NET THROUGH THE EXCLUDER. THE ANIMAL SEEMED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 9 14 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE CA NSI TO BE COMPLETELY UNINJURED BY THE INTERACTION. NSI P7B 0 N N 

ANIMAL WITH DEEP CONSTRICTING NECK 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 9 17 MARINE DEBRIS LINCOLN OR SI ENTANGLEMENT OOZING FLUID; ENTANGLING MATERIAL SI P8A 1 N Y 

SEA LION WAS DISCOVERED TO BE HOOKED IN THE 

MOUTH DURING RETRIEVAL OF THE LONGLINE AT 0949. IT 

WAS RELEASED IN GOOD CONDITION -SWAM AWAY 

LIVELY AND ENERGETIC. DETAILS LACKING ON WHETHER 

HOOK WAS REMOVED OR FELL OUT. ASSUMED SERIOUS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 9 20 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE CA SI INJURY BECAUSE OF HOOK REMAINING IN MOUTH. SI P5A 1 N Y 

HOOK AND LINE HANGING FROM RIGHT SIDE OF MOUTH. 

SWOLLEN JAW. ANIMAL TRANSFERRED TO CAPTIVE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 9 21 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI DISLPAY FACILITY FOLLOWING REHAB. CAPTIVITY NA 1 N Y 

CONSTRICTING NECK WOUND WHICH APPEARS TO BE 

FAIRLY DEEP AND OOZING FLUID, BASED ON REVIEW OF 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 9 21 MARINE DEBRIS CLATSOP WA SI PHOTOS. SI P8A 1 N Y 

NYLON NETTING ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 9 25 GILLNET FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI TRANSFERRED TO REHAB FACILITY. OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN UNDESCRIBED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 9 25 MARINE DEBRIS MARIN CA SI MARINE DEBRIS. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 9 26 SHOOTING MARIN CA DEAD BULLET FOUND IN SKULL POSTMORTEM. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 9 29 SHOOTING CLARK WA DEAD 

OBVIOUS BULLET/PELLET HOLES IN NECK AND HEAD WITH 

ASSOCIATED TRAUMA; THE SEA LION HAD VERY GOOD 

BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EMACIATED, LETHARGIC. TWO PUNCTURE WOUNDS ON 

LEFT SHOULDER WITH PUS. MULTIPLE GUNSHOT WOUNDS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 10 3 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI AND BULLETS FOUND IN XRAY ON 10/6/15. 

CLEARLY SHOT IN HEAD; LEFT MANDIBLE BROKEN IN HALF; 

DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MUCH OF SKULL EXPOSED; UPPER LEFT CANINE AND 

POSSIBLY OTHER TEETH REMOVED BY UNKNOWN PERSON; 

POSSIBLE SMALLER SHARK BITE AT LEFT VENTRAL PELVIS; 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 10 14 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD THE SEA LION HAD VERY GOOD BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISH HOOK WITH LINE (WIRE) THROUGH JAW SLIGHTLY 

THIN, LOWER RIGHT GUM SWOLLEN FROM FISH HOOK. 

REPORT INDICATES A 'RESTRANDED' ANIMAL. TREATED AT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 10 26 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED, FINAL OUTCOME 

TREATED AS SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO LACK OF DETAIL. SI P5A 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN FISHING LINE. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 10 28 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI TRANSFERRED TO PUBLIC DISPLAY FACILITY. CAPTIVITY NA 1 N Y 

LARGE FISHING LURE HANGING FROM RIGHT SIDE OF 

NOSE. REMOVED LURE AND RELEASED ANIMAL IN SITU. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 11 4 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI GOOD CONDITION OTHERWISE. NSI P5C 0 N N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

Stock or Area 

U.S. 

Year 

2015 

Month 

11 

Day 

5 

Interaction Type 

HOOK AND LINE FISHERY 

County or Locale 

SAN DIEGO 

State 

CA 

Initial Injury 

Assessment 

SI 

Comments 

ANIMAL SWALLOWED HOOK / LURE. TREATED AT REHAB 

FACILITY AND RELEASED. 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

NSI 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

P5C 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

0 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

N 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 11 6 SHOOTING MONTEREY CA DEAD PHOTOS OF ENTRY AND EXIT WOUNDS IN HEAD AND DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WRAPPED IN FISHING LINE. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 11 8 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

EMACIATED AND DEHYDRATED WITH FISH HOOK IN LEFT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 11 11 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA NSI FOREFLIPPER. TRANSFERRED TO PUBLIC DISPLAY FACILITY. CAPTIVITY P5C 1 N Y 

MONOFILAMENT WRAPPED TIGHTLY AROUND JAW. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 11 13 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GILLNET LACERATION AROUND NECK. TREATED AT REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 11 17 GILLNET FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 Y N 

FISHING LINE AROUND NECK. TREATED IN REHAB AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 11 17 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

A SINGLE CUT WAS MADE BY UNKNOWN PERSON(S) 

ALONG ENTIRE DORSAL MIDLINE; CLEAR BULLET/PELLET 

TRACK WITH CLOTTING ON SPLEEN; OTHER EVIDENCE 

HOLES AND TRACKS WITH ASSOCIATED HEMORRHAGE IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 11 20 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD BODY; ANIMAL HAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 11 23 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI 

YEARLING WITH SINGLE WRAP OF FISHING LINE AROUND 

NECK. NOT TIGHT, REMOVED. OTHERWISE GOOD 

CONDITION, UNDERWEIGHT. 

FOUND IN TUCK POSITION ON BEACH, LETHARGIC AND 

NSI P7B 0 N N 

EMACIATED. TAR PATCH 6 CM X1 CM ON BACK BETWEEN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 11 24 OIL / TAR MONTEREY CA SI SHOULDER BLADES. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. 

PLASTIC BAG HANDLE AROUND EMACIATED ANIMAL'S 

DEAD NA 1 N Y 

NECK. OUTCOME UNKNOWN, TREATED CONSERVATIVELY 

AS SERIOUS INJURY BECAUSE OF LOCATION OF 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 11 29 MARINE DEBRIS ORANGE CA SI ENTANGLEMENT, WITH CAPACITY TO BE CONSTRICTING. SI P8A 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 11 30 GILLNET FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI 

GILL NECK INJURY AROUND NECK, UNDERWEIGHT, 

COUGHING. DIED AT REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HOOK IN LOWER RIGHT CHIN; HOOK IN RIGHT REAR 

FLIPPER; LOOSE LINE ON ANIMAL AND AROUND TAG; 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 12 5 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI UNDERWEIGHT. TREATED IN REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CONGESTED; THIN; MULTIPLE HOOKS IN MOUTH WITH 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 12 7 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI SINKER. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ONE ANIMAL DISTURBED DURING RESCUE ON DOCK. 

ANIMAL WAS DARTED WITH APPROVAL FROM NATIONAL 

MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE. FISHING LINE STRAPPED 

AROUND HEAD VERTICALLY. FISHING LINE WRAPPED 

BEHIND EYES ON SKULL, LEFT EYE BULGING OUT OF 

SOCKET, POSSIBLY A HOOK CAUGHT IN EYE. ONE BULLET 

FOUND DURING XRAYS ON 12/9/15 LODGED IN BACK OF 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 12 8 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI THROAT. REMOVED. TREATED AND RELEASED FROM NSI P9 0 N N 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH ENTANGLEMENT SCAR ON 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 12 10 MARINE DEBRIS MONTEREY CA SI NECK DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EMACIATED; ULCERS ON TONGUE AND GUMS; LOST 

TOOTH LOWER LEFT JAW; HOOK PRESENT ON FRONT LEFT 

AXILLARY REGION OF LEFT FRONT FLIPPER. TREATED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 12 15 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA NSI REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

MONOFILAMENT LINE AROUND NECK. TREATED AT REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 12 17 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH FISHING LINE AROUND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 12 20 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI NECK. TREATED IN REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH MONOFILAMENT LINE 

AROUND NECK. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 12 21 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

TWO FISH HOOKS AND GILLNET AROUND NECK. TREATED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2015 12 30 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI AT REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 1 1 SHOOTING PIERCE WA DEAD FRESH CARCASS WITH EVIDENCE OF SHOOTING / DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FRESH DEAD. VESSEL TRAUMA (SHARP AND BLUNT)8 

ROUGHLY PARERALL LACERATION/ IMPRESSIONS 

EXTENDING FOR L SIDE TIP OF NOSE DOWN TO BASE OF 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 1 1 VESSEL STRIKE PIERCE WA DEAD TAIL. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH FISHING LINE WOUND 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 1 14 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI AROUND DORSAL REGION. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 1 14 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH SWOLLEN LEFT FLIPPER 

WHERE FISHING HOOK HAD BEEN LOCATED. EUTHANIZED 

IN REHAB CENTER. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH GILLNET ENTANGLEMENT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 1 20 GILLNET FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI INJURY AROUND NECK. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HOOK IN BOTTOM JAW. TAKEN TO REHAB, TREATED AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 1 28 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI RELEASED NSI P5C 0 N N 

LETHARGIC AND EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH FISHING 

HOOK AND LINE IN MOUTH. INITIALLY SEEN ALIVE. LATER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 1 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI FOUND DEAD WITH FISHING LINE AROUND NECK. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL WITH CIRCUMFERENTIAL WOUNDS AROUND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 1 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI NECK. TREATED AT REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

LETHARGIC AND EMACIATED ANIMAL EUTHANIZED IN 

REHAB. NECROPSY PERFORMED, DETAILS ON LOCATION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 3 SHOOTING SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI OF GUNSHOT INJURY NOT GIVEN. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH HOOK IN LEFT LOWER JAW, 

REMOVED EASILY BY RESCUERS. TREATED AT REHAB AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 4 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

SEA LION PUP ON BEACH BEING HARASSED BY PUBLIC, 

REPORTEDLY BEING TOUCHED AND PINCHED. TAKEN TO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 14 HARASSMENT SAN DIEGO CA NSI REHAB FACILITY, TREATED AND RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 

FISH HOOK IN RIGHT SIDE OF LOWER LIP. ANIMAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 15 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI TREATED IN REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CIRCUMFERENTIAL, CONSTRICTING WOUND AROUND 

NECK, POSSIBLY FROM PACKING BAND MATERIAL. NO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 15 MARINE DEBRIS CLATSOP OR SI RESCUE EFFORT INITIATED. SI P8A 1 N Y 

CIRCUMFERENTIAL WOUND AROUND NECK FROM 

UNKNOWN MATERIAL. MATERIAL CUTTING INTO SKIN, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 16 MARINE DEBRIS CLATSOP OR SI SUBDERMAL LAYER EXPOSED. NO RESCUE EFFORT. SI P8A 1 N Y 

CIRCUMFERENTIAL CONSTRICTING WOUND AROUND 

NECK FROM WHAT APPEARS TO BE SINGLE STRAND OF 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 16 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY CLATSOP OR SI MONOFILAMENT LINE. NO RESCUE EFFORT. SI P8A 1 N Y 

CIRCUMFERENTIAL ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 16 MARINE DEBRIS CLATSOP OR SI CONSTRICTING, MATERIAL UNKNOWN. NO RESCUE SI P8A 1 N Y 

CIRCUMFERENTIAL ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 16 MARINE DEBRIS CLATSOP OR SI CONSTRICTING, MATERIAL UNKNOWN. NO RESCUE SI P8A 1 N Y 

CIRCUMFERENTIAL WOUND AROUND NECK FROM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 18 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI FISHING LINE. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND NSI P7B 0 N N 

APPARENT BULLET ENTRY WOUND AT DORSAL INSERSION 

OF RIGHT FRONT FLIPPER; RADIUS AND ULNA SHATTERED; 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 23 SHOOTING LINCOLN OR DEAD SURROUNDING TISSUED HEMORRHAGED DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH HOOK IN MOUTH. TREATED AT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 24 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH HOOK IN MOUTH. TREATED AT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 24 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH LACERATION NEAR EYE AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 24 OIL / TAR SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI OIL / TAR ON BODY. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SEVERELY EMACIATED. MONOFILAMENT FISHING LINE 

WRAPPED AROUND FACE AND BEHIND EYES. SEVERE 

POOR BODY CONDITION RESULTING FROM ENTRAPMENT 

WITH FISHING TACKLE, AND GASTROESOPHAGEAL 

WOUNDS ASSOCIATED WITH INGESTED FISHING TACKLE 

FOREIGN BODIES WAS CONSIDERED TO BE THE PRIMARY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 25 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI CAUSE OF DEATH. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 26 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH FISHING HOOK IN CHEEK. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 27 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH FISHING LINE IN MOUTH. 

TREATED AND DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. NECROPSY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 28 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI PERFORMED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN MARINE DEBRIS. 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 2 28 MARINE DEBRIS SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI ANIMAL EUTHANIZED AT REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2016 

2016 

2016 

2016 

3 

3 

3 

3 

7 

12 

13 

15 

VEHICLE COLLISION 

OIL / TAR 

MARINE DEBRIS 

HOOK AND LINE FISHERY 

LOS ANGELES 

MONTEREY 

VENTURA 

LOS ANGELES 

CA 

CA 

CA 

CA 

DEAD 

SI 

SI 

SI 

HIT BY CAR. 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH SMALL PATCH OF TAR ON 

ABDOMEN TAKEN INTO REHAB FACILITY, TREATED AND 

RELEASED. 

ANIMAL DISENTANGLED FROM EITHER MARINE DEBRIS OR 

FISHING GEAR. ENTANGLING MATERIAL WAS NOT 

DESCRIBED BY RESPONDERS. 

MALNOURISED ANIMAL WITH FISHING LINE 

ENTANGLEMENT SCAR AROUND NECK. ANIMAL DIED IN 

DEAD 

NSI 

NSI 

DEAD 

NA 

P9 

P7B 

NA 

1 

0 

0 

1 

N 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

N 

N 

Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 3 16 SHOOTING NA OR DEAD 

SEVERAL SUSPICIOUS HOLES & HEMORRHAGE IN THE 

BODY; SKULL TOTALLY EXPOSED; KIDNEYS & LUNGS 

ABNORMAL; A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF CLOUDY, PINKTINGED FLUID IN THORACIC CAVITY; THE ANIMAL HAD 

GOOD BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 3 17 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

MALNOURISHED PUP WITH FISHING LINE IN MOUTH THAT 

WRAPS AROUND BODY AND FLIPPER WITH ONE HOOK IN 

FLIPPER AND TWO HOOKS IN MOUTH. HOOKS AND LINE 

REMOVED IN REHAB FACILITY, ANIMAL RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 3 19 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI 

FISH HOOK IN LOWER JAW AND LIP OF MALNOURISHED 

ANIMAL. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 3 23 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

ANIMAL WITH GOOD BODY CONDITION WITH HOOK IN 

MOUTH, TREATED IN REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 3 24 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI 

HOOK IN LEFT FRONT FLIPPER, REMOVED AT REHAB 

FACILITY. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 3 27 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

3 HOOKS ON FLIPPERS, OIL/TAR PATCH ON EMACIATED 

ANIMAL. DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 3 27 MARINE DEBRIS SANTA CRUZ CA SI 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH PLASTIC IN ITS STOMACH. DIED 

IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 3 28 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI 

FISHING HOOK ON RIGHT SIDE OF FACE NEAR EYE, 

EMACIATED ANIMAL. TREATED IN REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 3 28 SHOOTING NA OR DEAD 

ENTRANCE/EXIT HOLES WITH ASSOCIATED BONE 

DAMAGE, HEMORRHAGE, AND BLOOD CLOTTING; 

HEMORRHAGE ALSO IN OTHER AREAS OF BODY AND JUST 

ANTERIOR TO HEART; INTESTINES TIGHTLY TWISTED; THE 

SEA LION HAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 3 31 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI 

HOOK REMOVED FROM MOUTH AND ANIMAL RELEASED 

ON THE BEACH. NO INFORMATION ON CONDITION OF NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 1 MARINE DEBRIS LOS ANGELES CA SI 

ANIMAL WITH WOUND AROUND NECK FROM UNKNOWN 

CAUSE. TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P7B 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 2 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI 

ANIMAL WITH FISHING LINE WRAPPED AROUND NECK, 

DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 4 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE 

WEEK OF APRIL 4 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF TEN CA SEA 

LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 4 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE 

WEEK OF APRIL 4 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF TEN CA SEA 

LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 4 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE 

WEEK OF APRIL 4 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF TEN CA SEA 

LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 4 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE 

WEEK OF APRIL 4 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF TEN CA SEA 

LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 4 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE 

WEEK OF APRIL 4 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF TEN CA SEA 

LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 4 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE 

WEEK OF APRIL 4 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF TEN CA SEA 

LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

WEEK OF APRIL 4 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF TEN CA SEA 

LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 4 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 4 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF TEN CA SEA 

LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 4 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 4 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF TEN CA SEA 

LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 4 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 4 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF TEN CA SEA 

LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 4 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH FISH HOOKS IN HEAD AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 4 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI FLIPPERS, DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

OCCIPITAL BROKEN WITH ASSOCIATED HEMORRHAGE; 

TRACKS AND VARIOUS AREAS OF EXTENSIVE 

HEMORRHAGE IN BODY; SOME ORGANS HEMORRHAGED; 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 4 SHOOTING NA OR DEAD THE ANIMAL HAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

TRACKS WITH ASSOCIATED HOLES AND HEMORRHAGE IN 

BODY; TWO BROKEN RIBS; ABDOMINAL CAVITY FILLED 

WITH BLOODY FLUID; LIVER LOBE RUPTURED WITH 

CLOTTING; INTESTINES TWISTED; THE ANIMAL HAD 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 4 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH HOOK IN FLIPPER. TREATED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 5 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI AND RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 6 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI FISHING LINE GOING DOWN THROAT. DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH FISHING LINE GOING 

DOWN THROAT, SUSPECTED INGESTED FISH HOOK. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 6 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P2 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 11 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF SIX CA SEA 

LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 11 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 11 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF SIX CA SEA 

LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 11 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 11 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF SIX CA SEA 

LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 11 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 11 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF SIX CA SEA 

LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 11 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 11 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF SIX CA SEA 

LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 11 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 11 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF SIX CA SEA 

LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 11 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH MONOFILAMENT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 12 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI AROUND HEAD TREATED IN REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

ANIMAL WITH OIL / TAR ON VARIOUS BODY PARTS FOUND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 12 OIL / TAR SAN DIEGO CA SI IN GARAGE. TREATED AT REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH GLASS FOUND IN STOMACH. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 13 MARINE DEBRIS MONTEREY CA SI EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CIRCUMFERENTIAL ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 15 MARINE DEBRIS CLALLAM OR SI CONSTRICTING, MATERIAL UNKNOWN. NO RESCUE SI P8A 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 18 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF THIRTEEN 

CA SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 18 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE TRAPPED AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 18 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF THIRTEEN 

CA SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 18 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE TRAPPED AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

WEEK OF APRIL 18 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF THIRTEEN 

CA SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 18 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE TRAPPED AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 18 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE 

WEEK OF APRIL 18 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF THIRTEEN 

CA SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE 

TRAPPED AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 18 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF THIRTEEN 

CA SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 18 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE TRAPPED AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 18 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF THIRTEEN 

CA SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 18 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE TRAPPED AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 18 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF THIRTEEN 

CA SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 18 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE TRAPPED AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 18 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF THIRTEEN 

CA SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 18 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE TRAPPED AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 18 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF THIRTEEN 

CA SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 18 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE TRAPPED AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 18 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF THIRTEEN 

CA SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 18 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE TRAPPED AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 18 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF THIRTEEN 

CA SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 18 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE TRAPPED AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 18 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF THIRTEEN 

CA SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 18 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE TRAPPED AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 18 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF THIRTEEN 

CA SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 18 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE TRAPPED AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 18 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD 

TREMENDOUS AND EXTENSIVE HEMORRHAGE IN BODY, 

ESP. AT NECK AND SCAPULAE AREAS; PERICARDIUM AND 

MEDIAL LUNGS HEMORRHAGED; INTESTINES TWISTED; 

ABDOMINAL CAVITY MODERATELY FILLED WITH BLOODY DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 23 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 23 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 23 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 23 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 23 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 23 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 23 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 23 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 23 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 23 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 23 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 23 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 23 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 23 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF APRIL 23 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 23 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

WEEK OF APRIL 23 (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 23 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH FISHING ENTANGLEMENT, 

HOOK IN NOSTRIL; BACK AND CHEST HAVE HOOKS WITH 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 24 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI FLIES AND SINKER. TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB. NSI P5C 0 N N 

ANIMAL EUTHANIZED IN REHAB. NECROPSY SHOWED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 24 SHOOTING SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI EVIDENCE OF SHOOTING. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MODERATELY UNDERWEIGHT, SINGLE MONOFILAMENT 

LINE AROUND NECK, TISSUE HEALING AROUND LINE, 

TRAUMA TO RIGHT REAR FLIPPER WITH BONE EXPOSED. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 28 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN MATEO CA SI TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P7B 0 N N 

CIRCUMFERENTIAL ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 30 MARINE DEBRIS CLALLAM OR SI CONSTRICTING, MATERIAL UNKNOWN. NO RESCUE SI P8A 1 N Y 

CIRCUMFERENTIAL ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 30 MARINE DEBRIS CLALLAM OR SI CONSTRICTING, MATERIAL UNKNOWN. NO RESCUE SI P8A 1 N Y 

EVIDENCE OF HOLES WITH ASSOCIATED TRACKS, 

CLOTTING, AND HEMORRHAGE; ADDITIONAL 

HEMORRHAGE IN VARIOUS AREAS OF THE BODY; 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 4 30 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD INTESTINES TWISTED; THE ANIMAL HAD EXCELLENT BODY DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF MAY 2ND (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 2 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF MAY 2ND (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 2 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF MAY 2ND (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 2 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF MAY 2ND (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 2 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF MAY 2ND (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 2 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF MAY 2ND (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 2 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF MAY 2ND (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 2 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF MAY 2ND (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 2 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF MAY 2ND (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF NINE CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 2 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISHING LINE 'IN' MUZZLE AND LEFT FOREFLIPPER , 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 4 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 4 SHOOTING ORANGE CA SI PELLET REMOVED FROM HEAD DURING NECROPSY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GASTRIC DILATION DUE TO INGESTION OF LATEX GLOVES. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 7 MARINE DEBRIS LOS ANGELES CA SI DIED IN REHAB, NECROPSIED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF MAY 9TH (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF SEVEN CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 9 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF MAY 9TH (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF SEVEN CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 9 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF MAY 9TH (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF SEVEN CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 9 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

WEEK OF MAY 9TH (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF SEVEN CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 9 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF MAY 9TH (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF SEVEN CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 9 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF MAY 9TH (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF SEVEN CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 9 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WEEK OF MAY 9TH (ODFW SUMMARY): ONE OF SEVEN CA 

SEA LIONS TARGETED FOR REMOVAL THAT WERE TRAPPED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 9 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE AND EUTHANIZED UNDER MMPA SECTION 120. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SUSPICIOUS GASHES AND HOLES W/ASSOCIATED TRACKS, 

CLOTTING, AND/OR HEMORRHAGE; ADDITIONAL 

EXTENSIVE HEMORRHAGE IN VARIOUS AREAS OF BODY; 

ORGANS HEMORRHAGED; THREE BROKEN RIBS; 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 9 SHOOTING TILLAMOOK OR DEAD INTESTINES TWISTED; THE ANIMAL HAD EXCELLENT BODY DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL HAD INGESTED A SOCK AND PLASTIC PARTS. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 13 MARINE DEBRIS SAN DIEGO CA SI EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL WITH GOOD BODY WEIGHT RESCUED BECAUSE 

OF MONOFILAMENT LINE AROUND NECK. ALSO HAD A 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 14 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI HOOK IN CHEST. TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB NSI P7B 0 N N 

RADIOGRAPHS OF EUTHANIZED ANIMAL SHOWED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 14 SHOOTING MENDOCINO CA SI EVIDENCE OF METALLIC FRAGMENTS. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

STRANDED ANIMAL WITH DORSAL GUNSHOT ENTRY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 15 SHOOTING SANTA CRUZ CA DEAD WOUND AND VENTRAL EXIT WOUND. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISHING LINE, HOOK AND LURE ENTANGLED AROUND 

REAR FLIPPERS OF EMACIATED ANIMAL. TREATED AT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 16 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA CRUZ CA SI REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

MARINE MAMMAL CENTER RESPONDED AND SEA LION 

WAS DECEASED WHEN THEY ARRIVED TO THE BEACH. WAS 

OBSERVED HAVING TROUBLE BREATHING, HEAD THRUSTS 

AND POSSIBLE SEIZURES. FOUND SMALL CALIBER BULLET 

RESTING AGAINST OPPOSITE KIDNEY WHICH HAD 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 17 SHOOTING SANTA CRUZ CA DEAD HEMORRHAGE. GUNSHOT CAUSE OF DEATH. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED SEIZURING ANIMAL WITH FISH HOOKS IN 

FRONT AND REAR FLIPPERS AND EARS. ANIMAL DIED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 19 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GILLNET WOUND AROUND NECK, TREATED AND RELEASED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 20 GILLNET FISHERY ORANGE CA SI FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P7B 0 Y N 

GOOD BODY CONDITION, SUPERFICIAL LACERATIONS 

NEAR HEAD AND LEFT SIDE, ALERT BUT NOT ACTIVE, 

OBSERVED OVERNIGHT AND FOUND IN THE SAME 

LOCATION NEXT DAY. RADIOGRAPHS SHOWED BUCKSHOT 

SCATTERED THROUGHOUT CERVICAL REGION. ANIMAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 23 SHOOTING SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P9 0 N N 

EVIDENCE OF HOLES AND TRACKING WOUNDS WITH 

ASSOCIATED HEMORRHAGE IN BODY; OTHER AREAS OF 

HEMORRHAGE/DAMAGE IN BODY/ORGANS; THORACIC 

CAVITY FILLED WITH BLOODY FLUID; SEA LION HAD 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 23 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION DEAD NA 1 N Y 

DARTING CAPTURE, MONOFILAMENT ENTANGLEMENT 

AROUND NECK, MILDLY UNDERWEIGHT. TREATED AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 26 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P7B 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 27 MARINE DEBRIS MONTEREY CA SI TWINE AROUND NECK, TREATED AT REHAB AND NSI P7B 0 N N 

FISHING LINE JUST IN FRONT OF SHOULDER BLADE JOINT. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 31 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

LACERATION APPROXIMATELY 3/4 WAY AROUND BODY 

WHERE LINE WAS. TREATED AT REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

SUSPICIOUS HOLES W/ASSOC. HEMORRHAGE; POSSIBLE 

EVIDENCE TRACK ASSOC. W/BLACKENED BLUBBER; 

THORACIC CAVITY FILLED WITH CLOUDY, PINK-TINGED 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

FLUID; ODD HOLE W/GELATINOUS TISSUE IN LUNG; 

THORACIC L.N.'S ABNORMAL; KIDNEY DAMAGED AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 5 31 SHOOTING NA OR DEAD HEMORRHAGIC DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 6 2 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI 

ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WITHOUT 

APPARENT INJURY. NSI P4 0 N N 

FISHING HOOK CAUGHT IN LOWER LEFT LIP WITH ~70 

CENTIMETER FISHING LINE AND 8 OUNCE WEIGHT STILL 

ATTACHED. AREA OUTSIDE OF THE MOUTH AROUND 

HOOK IS SWOLLEN; INSIDE THE MOUTH IS BLEEDING 

FROM HOOK WOUND. THIN WITH HIPS AND SPINE 

VISIBLE. GOOD HYDRATION/WETNESS AROUND THE EYES. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 6 4 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI ALERT AND ACTIVE. TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB NSI P5C 0 N N 

RESTRAND. MODERATELY UNDERWEIGHT, HEAD 

WEAVING, DISORIENTED. FULL CIRCUMFERENCE CERVICAL 

SCAR FROM PREVIOUS MONOFILAMENT ENTANGLEMENT. 

TAGGED ON BOTH FLIPPERS DURING PREVIOUS STRAND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 6 5 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MARIN CA SI BECAUSE OF ENTANGLEMENT. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EMBEDDED MONOFILAMENT LINE NEAR EAR. TREATED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 6 14 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI AND RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P7B 0 N N 

EMACIATED ANIMAL, FISH HOOKS IN MOUTH. ANIMAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 6 15 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISHING HOOK IN PECTORAL RIGHT FLIPPER WITH LINE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 6 15 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI WRAPPED AROUND. OTHERWISE GOOD BODY NSI P5C 0 N N 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WITHOUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 6 15 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI APPARENT INJURY. NSI P4 0 N N 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH MONOFILAMENT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 6 16 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA CRUZ CA SI ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GOOD BODY CONDITION. ENTANGED WITH GILL NET 

AROUND NECK CAUSING LARGE OPEN GASHES. TREATED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 6 17 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI AND RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P7B 0 Y N 

CIRCUMFERENTIAL ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 6 19 MARINE DEBRIS CLALLAM OR SI CONSTRICTING, MATERIAL UNKNOWN. NO RESCUE SI P8A 1 N Y 

FISH HOOK ON LOWER LEFT LIP/MOUTH AREA. HOOK 

REMOVED AND ANIMAL RELEASED ON SITE. NO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 6 22 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI INFORMATION ON BODY CONDITION. NSI P5C 0 N N 

FISH HOOK ON LEFT FRONT FLIPPER. HOOK REMOVED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 6 22 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI AND ANIMAL RELEASED ON SITE. NSI P5C 0 N N 

FISH HOOK ON RIGHT FRONT FLIPPER. FISH HOOK WAS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 6 22 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI REMOVED AND ANIMAL WAS RELEASED ON SITE NSI P5C 0 N N 

MONOFILAMENT LINE WRAPPED AROUND ANIMAL'S 

NECK. ANIMAL GOOD WEIGHT, ACTIVE,ALERT. DIED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 7 2 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH CIRCUMFERENTIAL 

ENTANGLEMENT WOUND AROUND NECK; DIED IN REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 7 4 MARINE DEBRIS LOS ANGELES CA SI FACILITY. ENTANGLING MATERIAL NOT KNOWN. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MODERATELY UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH DISPLACED 

JAW. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. BULLET FOUND IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 7 4 SHOOTING MONTEREY CA SI NECK UPON NECROPSY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SAN MIGUEL PUP DIED DURING CAPTURE EFFORTS DUE TO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 7 9 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH ISLAND CA DEAD ASPHYXIATION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL CAUGHT AT BEACH, REMOVED THREE HOOKS 

FROM NECK, MOUTH AND BOTTOM OF LEFT FRONT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 7 17 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI FLIPPER. ANIMAL RELEASED AT SITE. NSI P5C 0 N N 

BULLET/PELLET ENTRANCE HOLE IN SKULL; VARIOUS 

AREAS OF HEMORRHAGE IN BODY; TWO APPROXIMATELY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 7 24 SHOOTING NA OR DEAD 9 CM DIAMETER HOLES FILLED WITH SAND IN BODY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 7 27 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 7 28 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 7 28 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 7 29 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI 

SUPE

STO

RFICIAL ENTRY OF FISHING HOOK WITH LUR

MACH. GOOD BODY CONDITION AND ATTITUDE. 

REMOVED HOOK AND RELEASED ON SITE. 

E ON 

NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 7 30 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI 

FISHING LINE AROUND NECK, SMALL WOUNDS REAR 

FLIPPERS. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

LARGE FISH HOOK THROUGH RIGHT FRONT FLIPPER. 

REMOVED HOOK AND RELEASED ON SITE. GOOD BODY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 7 31 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI CONDITION. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 8 1 SHOOTING LOS ANGELES CA SI 

FISHING ENTANGLEMENT AROUND HEAD; LIMITED RANGE 

OF MOTION IN JAW; 2 SHOTGUN PELLETS BETWEEN 

SHOULDERS. EUTHANIZED AT REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

TRAUMA TO LEFT FRONT FLIPPER. APPROXIMATELY HALF 

OF THE TIP OF THE FLIPPER HAD BEEN SLICED OFF WITH 

BONE EXPOSED. DEHYDRATED, MILD TREMORS. 

SUSPECTED PROPELLER WOUND. ANIMAL EUTHANIZED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 8 2 VESSEL STRIKE SAN DIEGO CA SI REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 8 8 GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA DEAD ENTANGLED IN GILLNET AROUND NECK. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 8 24 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD 

BLOOD CLOTTING, EXTENSIVE HEMORRHAGE, AND 

SUSPICIOUS HOLES IN NECK; HEMORRHAGE IN HEAD AND 

BODY; URINE BLOODY; THE ANIMAL HAD GOOD BODY 

CONDITION DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 8 24 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 8 28 MARINE DEBRIS LINCOLN OR SI PACKING BAND CUTTING DEEPLY INTO NECK OF ANIMAL. SI P8A 1 N Y 

FISHING LINE AROUND NECK, RIGHT ABOVE SHOULDERS. 

EMBEDDED WITH PUS AND LACERATIONS. TREATED AT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 9 1 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

ANIMAL HAS PROP STRIKES ACROSS MID SECTION. 

JUMPED INTO HARBOR PATROL BOAT AND ALLOWED 

TEAM TO NET WITH NO FIGHTING. WALKED INTO CAGE. 

PREVIOUSLY RELEASED TWICE BY PMMC. ON 7/21/16 AT 

CHANNEL ISLANDS AT 137.8 POUNDS. LOST 27.8 POUNDS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 9 11 VESSEL STRIKE ORANGE CA SI IN 52 DAYS. TRANSFERRED TO PUBLIC DISPLAY FACILITY. CAPTIVITY P9 1 N Y 

MILDLY UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH ENTANGLEMENT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 9 12 MARINE DEBRIS MONTEREY CA SI 

AROUND NECK TAKEN INTO REHAB, TREATED AND 

RELEASED. NO INFORMATION ON ENTANGLING NSI P7B 0 N N 

MONOFILAMENT LINE PREVIOUSLY AROUND NECK. UPON 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 9 12 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

RESCUE, LINE WAS WRAPPED AROUND FLIPPER TAG. 

RELEASED ON SITE. NSI P7B 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 9 12 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 9 13 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI 

GILL NET EMBEDDED/ENTANGLED AROUND NECK. GOOD 

WEIGHT, ACTIVE, ALERT, VOCAL. TREATED AND RELEASED 

FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P7B 0 Y N 

MONOFILAMENT AROUND NECK DEEP ENOUGH TO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 9 14 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI EXPOSE MUSCLE. TREATED AT REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 9 20 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

UNDERWEIGHT, FISH HOOK IN MOUTH RELEASED FROM 

PMMC ON 9/01/16 LOST 16.8 POUNDS IN 21 DAYS. 

ALTHOUGH ANIMAL WAS RELEASED FROM REHAB, 

WEIGHT LOSS WHILE IN REHAB CASTS DOUBT ON ABILITY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 9 21 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI OF ANIMAL TO SURVIVE POST-RELEASE. SI P5C 1 N Y 

TWO INCH THREE HOOK FISHING LURE EMBEDDED IN THE 

TOP AND BOTTOM LIP OF THE OF THE ANIMAL MAKING 

HIM UNABLE TO OPEN HIS MOUTH. GOOD BODY 

CONDITION. ANIMAL WAS DE-HOOKED AND RELEASED ON 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 9 24 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI SITE UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A VETERINARIAN. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 10 2 SHOOTING PACIFIC OR DEAD 

EVIDENCE COLLECTED TO ENFORCEMENT, CLEAR 

EVIDENCE HOLE WITH TRACK, BONE DAMAGE, AND AREAS 

OF HEMORRHAGE IN HEAD AND/OR BODY DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

BUCKSHOT IN HIS MUZZLE AND FACE AND A BULLET 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

LODGED IN HIS LEFT SHOULDER, EMACIATED. HARASSED 

BY PEOPLE ON THE BEACH, PETTING. EUTHANIZED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 10 8 SHOOTING SANTA CRUZ CA SI REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 10 12 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ANO NUEVO ISLAND. ASPHYXIATION RESULTING FROM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 10 16 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SAN MATEO CA DEAD CAPTURE ACTIVITIES. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CLEAR EVIDENCE HOLE IN OCCIPITAL BONE, VARIOUS 

AREAS OF HEMORRHAGE AND SUSPICIOUS HOLES IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 10 18 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD ANIMAL, INCLUDING ABDOMEN DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ACTIVE ANIMAL WITH GOOD BODY CONDITION HAD A 

PAIR OF SWIM GOGGLES AROUND MIDSECTION OF BODY. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 10 24 MARINE DEBRIS SAN DIEGO CA SI GOGGLES REMOVED AND ANIMAL RELEASED ON SITE. NSI P7B 0 N N 

ANIMAL THAT HAD STRANDED MULTIPLE TIMES WITH 

FISH HOOK IN LEFT SIDE OF MOUTH AND IN LEFT REAR 

FLIPPER. VERY THIN BODY. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY, 

BUT NO NOTES ON OUTCOME. TREATED AS SERIOUS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 10 26 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI INJURY, BASED ON MULTIPLE STRANDINGS AND BODY SI P5C 1 N Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 10 27 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

EMACIATED. BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA TO PELVIS DUE TO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 10 28 VESSEL STRIKE MARIN CA SI BOAT STRIKE. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WITHOUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 10 28 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI APPARENT INJURY. NSI P4 0 N N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 10 28 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL CAPTURED IN NET. RELEASED ALIVE AFTER BEING 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 10 29 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI BROUGHT ON BOARD. NSI P4 0 N N 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 10 29 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

EMACIATED, ENTANGLEMENT CUTTING IN AROUND 

SHOULDERS. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. INITIALLY 

IDENTIFIED AS FISHERY INTERACTION, BUT TYPE OF 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 10 31 MARINE DEBRIS MONTEREY CA SI ENTANGLING MATERIAL WAS NOT IDENTIFIED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 3 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 5 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WITHOUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 6 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI APPARENT INJURY. NSI P4 0 N N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WITHOUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 6 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI APPARENT INJURY. NSI P4 0 N N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WITHOUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 6 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI APPARENT INJURY. NSI P4 0 N N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 6 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 7 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 7 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 7 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 8 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 8 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 9 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 10 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 10 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 10 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 10 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI 

ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WIT

APPARENT INJURY. 

HOUT 

NSI P4 0 N N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WITHOUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 10 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI APPARENT INJURY. NSI P4 0 N N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 10 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 10 MIDWATER TRAWL NA OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 10 MIDWATER TRAWL NA OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 10 MIDWATER TRAWL NA OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 12 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 12 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 12 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 12 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 12 MIDWATER TRAWL NA OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 13 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 13 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 13 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 13 MIDWATER TRAWL NA OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 14 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 14 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 14 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 14 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 14 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 15 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 15 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 15 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 15 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 15 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 15 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 15 MIDWATER TRAWL NA OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 16 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 16 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 16 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 16 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 16 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI 

ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WIT

APPARENT INJURY. 

HOUT 

NSI P4 0 N N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 17 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 17 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 17 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 17 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 17 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 18 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 18 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 18 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 18 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WITHOUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 11 18 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI APPARENT INJURY. NSI P4 0 N N 

GILL NET DEEPLY EMBEDDED AROUND NECK. BODY 

CONDITION GOOD, HYDRATION LEVEL GOOD. TREATED AT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 12 3 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 Y N 

EVIDENCE HOLE AND FRACTURES IN SKULL W/ASSOC. 

HEMORRHAGE, AS WELL AS PALATE, SNOUT, AND TOOTH 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 12 4 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD DAMAGE DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SUSPICIOUS 1-CM DIA. HOLE THROUGH SKIN AT DORSAL 

SNOUT, WITH SNOUT SHATTERED; SIMILAR HOLE AT 

MANDIBLE; DEEP HEMORRHAGE IN VARIOUS AREAS OF 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 12 12 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD BODY DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SNOUT SHATTERED AND ADDITIONAL MANDIBULAR 

DAMAGE; SOME HEMORRHAGE IN BODY; THE SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 12 14 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD HAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WITHOUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 12 18 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE WA NSI APPARENT INJURY. NSI P7B 0 N N 

UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2016 12 28 INTERACTION KING WA DEAD CARCASS FOUND WITH ROPE AROUND IT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT AND LETHARGIC ANIMAL. PRE-MORTEM 

RADIOGRAPHS SHOWED BUCKSHOT IN CERVICAL SPINE. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 1 4 SHOOTING MONTEREY CA SI EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 1 6 FISHERY NA CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL ASSOCIATED WITH FISHING LINE 

AND LURE. TREATED AND RELEASED. NO DETAILS GIVEN 

ON EXTENT OF INJURY ASSOCIATED WITH GEAR. TREATED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 1 14 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI AS SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO LACK OF DETAILS. SI P1 1 N Y 

ANIMAL STARTLED DURING RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 1 27 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH VENTURA CA DEAD FELL OVER CLIFF. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 1 31 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MALE ADULT CALIFORNIA SEA LION HAD ABOUT AN 8 

INCH FISHING LURE ATTACHED TO HIS RIGHT FLIPPER. HE 

SEEMED TO HAVE GOOD BODY CONDITION. THE LURE 

WAS SUCCESSFULLY REMOVED AND THE ANIMAL WAS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 2 4 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI RELEASED ON SITE. NSI P5C 0 N N 

ANIMAL WITH GOOD BODY CONDITION AND A TREBLE 

HOOK IN LEFT CHEEK AND LURE AND HOOK IN LOWER 

RIGHT JAW. ANIMAL TREATED AND RELEASED FROM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 2 9 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI REHAB FACILITY. NSI P5C 0 N N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

ANIMAL IN GOOD BODY CONDITION HAD RUBBER GASKET 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

AROUND HEAD LOCATED BEHIND EARS AND UNDER CHIN. 

REMOVED GASKET AND RELEASED ON SITE. RUBBER 

GASKET APPROXIMATELY 8 INCHES IN DIAMETER. BEFORE 

RESCUE, ANIMAL WAS SEEN FREQUENTLY IN ORANGE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 2 13 MARINE DEBRIS SAN DIEGO CA SI COUNTY BY PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER AS WELL NSI P7B 0 N N 

DEAD ANIMAL WITH LARGE CALIBER COPPER BULLET 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 2 14 SHOOTING LINCOLN OR DEAD BULLET FOUND IN CAUDAL LUMBAR AREA. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 2 22 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

WOUND AROUND NECK DUE TO MONOFILAMENT LINE 

AROUND NECK. ANIMAL TREATED AND RELEASED FROM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 2 25 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI REHAB FACILITY. NSI P7B 0 N N 

GUNSHOT TRAUMA, BLIND ANIMAL. DIED IN REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 3 17 SHOOTING SOLANO CA SI FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 3 20 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 3 20 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN NET, BROUGHT ON DECK AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 3 22 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI ANIMAL EXITED VESSEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER. NSI P4 0 N N 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY MONOFILAMENT LINE REMOVED FROM ANIMAL IN GOOD 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 3 26 INTERACTION SAN DIEGO CA SI BODY CONDITION. NSI P7B 0 Y N 

ANIMAL SHOT WITH ARROW THROUGH NECK. MEMBERS 

OF PUBLIC / FISHERMEN REMOVED ARROW FROM 

ANIMAL, WHICH THEN DEPARTED SCENE. EXTENT OF 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 3 31 SHOOTING ORANGE CA SI INJURY UNKNOWN, CONSIDERED SERIOUS INJURY. SI P9 1 N Y 

ANIMAL INGESTED AN UNKNOWN MATERIAL, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 4 9 MARINE DEBRIS LOS ANGELES CA SI EUTHANIZED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 4 10 VEHICLE COLLISION ORANGE CA SI PREGNANT FEMALE HIT BY CAR, EUTHANIZED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL GRABBED GEAR WITH 7 HOOKS ATTACHED AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 4 15 NEARSHORE HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE CA SI DEPARTED TRAILING GEAR. SI P5A 1 Y Y 

FISH HOOKS IN FLIPPER AND MOUTH. TREATED AT REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 4 16 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

ANIMAL SHOT IN RIGHT SHOULDER. EUTHANIZED AT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 4 19 SHOOTING ORANGE CA SI REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 4 19 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL WITH TREMENDOUS HEMORRHAGE AT HEAD 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 4 20 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD AND NECK, WITH APPARENT BULLET EXIT HOLE IN DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 4 21 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

LETHARGIC ANIMAL WITH FISHING LINE AROUND FLIPPER 

AND POSSIBLE INGESTED FISHING HOOK. ANIMAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 4 21 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH FISHING HOOK AND LINE 

AROUND FLIPPER. TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 4 24 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI FACILITY. NSI P5C 0 N N 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 4 25 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 4 25 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 4 25 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 4 25 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 4 25 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 4 27 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 2 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 3 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 4 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MONOFILAMENT LINE AROUND FISHING NECK. TREATED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 4 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI AND RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P7B 0 N N 

MEMBER OF PUBLIC DISENTANGLED ANIMAL FROM 

UNKNOWN CONSTRICTING MATERLAL. TREATED AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 4 MARINE DEBRIS SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P7B 0 N N 

ANIMAL WITH GILLNET WOUND TAKEN INTO REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 7 GILLNET FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI FACILITY, TREATED AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 Y N 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 9 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

INGESTED HARD PLASTIC TRASH. EUTHANIZED AT REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 10 MARINE DEBRIS LOS ANGELES CA SI FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 10 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 10 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

INGESTED FOREIGN BODY. TREATED AT REHAB AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 11 MARINE DEBRIS LOS ANGELES CA SI RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 11 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 16 SHOOTING MONTEREY CA SI GUNSHOT AND LACERATIONS. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 16 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WOODEN BLOCK MATERIAL FOUND IN STOMACH. ANIMAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 17 MARINE DEBRIS LOS ANGELES CA SI DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACKING STRAP ENTANGLEMENT. TREATED AT REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 17 MARINE DEBRIS MONTEREY CA SI AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 17 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA DEAD FISHING LINE AROUND HEAD AND NECK. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 17 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH FISH HOOKS IN CHEST, HIP, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 18 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI AND REAR FLIPPER. TREATED AT REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

LARGE CONSTRICTING INJURY AROUND NECK WITH 

PROTRUDING TISSUE. ANIMAL WAS NOT PRESENT NEXT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 22 MARINE DEBRIS LINCOLN OR SI DAY. SI P8A 1 N Y 

BALLOON FOUND IN FECAL MATERIAL OF UNDERWEIGHT, 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 23 MARINE DEBRIS SAN DIEGO CA SI LETHARGIC ANIMAL. TREATED AT REHAB AND RLEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 

FISH HOOK IN LIP AND REAR FLIPPER. TREATED AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 26 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P5C 0 N N 

FISHING LINE AROUND NECK. SWOLLEN FACE ON BOTH 

SIDES FROM STING RAY BARB INJURY FOUND DURING 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 28 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI SURGERY. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

BULLET WOUND ACROSS NOSE AND EYE, SECOND BULLET 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 28 SHOOTING LOS ANGELES CA SI IN NECK. TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P9 0 N N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

SALMON FLASHER LURE AND SEVERAL FEET OF LINE 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

HANGING OUT OF MOUTH. TRAUMA EVIDENT AT LEFT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 28 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LINCOLN OR SI SIDE OF MOUTH. SI P2 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 29 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA NSI 

FISH HOOK IN BACK. PUBLIC FEEDING AND HOLDING 

ANIMAL. TREATED AT REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN NET, BROUGHT ON DECK AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 29 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI ANIMAL EXITED VESSEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER. NSI P4 0 N N 

GASTRIC IMPACTION WITH INGESTED PLASTIC AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 5 31 MARINE DEBRIS LOS ANGELES CA SI ROCKS. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL INGESTED METALLIC FOIL MATERIAL. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 6 1 MARINE DEBRIS LOS ANGELES CA SI EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PELLET LODGED BEHIND RIGHT EYE INSIDE SKULL 

DETERMINED VIA RADIOGRAPH. NO DETAILS ON FINAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 6 3 SHOOTING LOS ANGELES CA SI OUTCOME OF CASE, ASSIGNED AS SERIOUS INJURY. SI P9 1 N Y 

ANIMAL WITH PELLET INSIDE HEAD AND MISSING EYE 

TREATED AT REHAB AND TRANSFERRED TO PUBLIC 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 6 4 SHOOTING LOS ANGELES CA SI DISPLAY FACILITY CAPTIVITY P9 1 N Y 

CARCASS AND SKELETION COLLECTED FOR SCIENTIFIC 

RESEARCH. A CROSSBOLT ARROW WAS FOUND IN THE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 6 6 SHOOTING CLALLAM WA SI THORACIC CAVITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 6 6 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 6 7 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH GUNSHOT WOUND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 6 7 SHOOTING SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P9 0 N N 

ANIMAL WITH SEIZURES CAPTURED WITH FISH HOOK IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 6 7 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI MOUTH. TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P5C 0 N N 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 6 9 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 6 9 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL WITH PELLET SHOTS AND A BRAIN HEMORRHAGE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 6 15 SHOOTING LOS ANGELES CA SI EUTHANIZED AT REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MARINE DEBRIS INGESTION AND DOMOIC ACID TOXICITY. 

ANIMAL CHASING MEMBERS OF PUBLIC. EUTHANIZED AT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 6 16 MARINE DEBRIS LOS ANGELES CA SI REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HUMAN INTERACTION WITH GUNSHOT; SPINAL 

PERFORATION BETWEEN APPARENT ENTRY WOUND AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 6 23 SHOOTING LOS ANGELES CA SI BULLET. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH GREEN NYLON ROPE 

AROUND NECK, BUT NOT EMBEDDED IN TISSUE. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 6 24 MARINE DEBRIS MONTEREY CA SI EUTHANIZED IN REHAB DUE TO RENAL FAILURE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL WAS ENTANGLED IN FISHING LINE WITH ONE 

LARGE HOOK IN HIS NECK AND ONE LARGE HOOK IN HIS 

LOWER JAW. EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. TREATED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 7 1 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 7 6 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

TWO FISH HOOKS REMOVED FROM MOUTH OF ANIMAL. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 7 7 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P5C 0 N N 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH MONOFILAMENT LINE 

ENTANGLED AROUND THE HEAD AND EARS. NO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 7 8 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI ADDITIONAL DETAILS. SI P8A 1 N Y 

ANIMAL WITH MONOFILAMENT LINE WRAPPED AROUND 

HIS NECK ABOUT 5 CENTIMETERS FROM HIS 

FOREFLIPPERS, CAUSING LACERATIONS. TREATED AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 7 18 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P7B 0 N N 

CIRCUMFERENTIAL WOUND AROUND NECK. ENTANGLING 

MATERIAL UNKNOWN. TREATED AND RELEASED FROM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 7 19 MARINE DEBRIS LOS ANGELES CA SI REHAB FACILITY. NSI P7B 0 N N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH FISHING HOOK 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

EMBEDDED IN MAXILLARY BUCCAL MUCOSA. EUTHANIZED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 7 26 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN MATEO CA SI IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ONE TO TWO-INCH FISH HOOK WITH RED/YELLOW 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 7 26 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA CRUZ CA SI FEATHERS FOUND IN PYLORIC REGION OF STOMACH. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GUNSHOT TRAUMA TO JAW. EUTHANIZED AT REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 8 8 SHOOTING SAN MATEO CA SI FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FRESH DEAD ANIMAL WITH ENTANGLEMENT INJURY 

AROUND NECK AND CONFIRMED (VIA X-RAY) BULLET AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 8 8 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA DEAD SEVERE SKULL FRACTURES. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISHERY INTERACTION INDICATED BY LINEAR ABRASIONS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 8 8 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD AROUND BODY. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

FISH HOOK IN LIP. TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 8 11 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI FACILITY. NSI P5C 0 N N 

EMACIATED, ALERT BUT NOT ACTIVE, FISH HOOK AND LINE 

FELL OUT OF CORNER OF MOUTH DURING RESCUE. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 8 15 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 8 15 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL REPORTED WITH PROPELLER WOUNDS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 8 18 VESSEL STRIKE SAN DIEGO CA DEAD UNDERNEATH A DOCK. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 8 18 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SAN DIEGO CA DEAD ANIMAL REMOTELY SEDATED AND DROWNED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

LIMITED ENTRY SABLEFISH DETERRENCE USED TO SCARE OFF 5 SEA LIONS FEEDING 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 8 23 HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE OR NSI ON CATCH. NO INJURIES REPORTED. NSI P9 0 N N 

LIMITED ENTRY SABLEFISH DETERRENCE USED TO SCARE OFF 5 SEA LIONS FEEDING 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 8 23 HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE OR NSI ON CATCH. NO INJURIES REPORTED. NSI P9 0 N N 

LIMITED ENTRY SABLEFISH DETERRENCE USED TO SCARE OFF 5 SEA LIONS FEEDING 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 8 23 HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE OR NSI ON CATCH. NO INJURIES REPORTED. NSI P9 0 N N 

LIMITED ENTRY SABLEFISH DETERRENCE USED TO SCARE OFF 5 SEA LIONS FEEDING 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 8 23 HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE OR NSI ON CATCH. NO INJURIES REPORTED. NSI P9 0 N N 

LIMITED ENTRY SABLEFISH DETERRENCE USED TO SCARE OFF 5 SEA LIONS FEEDING 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 8 23 HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE OR NSI ON CATCH. NO INJURIES REPORTED. NSI P9 0 N N 

HEALTHY ANIMAL WITH MONOFILAMENT LINE WRAPPED 

AROUND NECK, CUTTING INTO ANIMAL APPROXIMATELY 1-

INCH DEEP. 3 FEET OF TRAILING LINE. TREATED AT REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 9 3 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 9 8 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 9 12 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI FISH HOOK IN STOMACH. EUTHANIZED AT REHAB DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CARCASS NEAR ANACAPA ISLAND WITH EVIDENCE OF A 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 9 17 VESSEL STRIKE VENTURA CA DEAD PROPELLER STRIKE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 9 17 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

LIVE ANIMAL BROUGHT TO REHAB CENTER WHERE 

RADIOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE INDICATED A BULLET. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 9 20 SHOOTING LOS ANGELES CA SI EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MONOFILAMENT LINE AROUND NECK. ANIMAL DIED IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 9 22 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 9 22 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY KITSAP WA SI LURE FLASHER COMING OUT OF MOUTH. SI P2 1 N Y 

 0.3 CM WIDE TAN/YELLOW ROPE WRAPPED TWICE 

AROUND IT'S NECK, CREATING A SEVERE 

CIRCUMFERENTIAL LACERATION EXTENDING INTO 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY MUSCLE LAYER, WITH ASSOCIATED POOL OF BLOOD 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 9 28 INTERACTION SAN DIEGO CA DEAD UNDERNEATH VENTRAL SIDE OF LACERATION DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 9 28 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

RECORDS INDICATE ANIMAL DIED ON ITS WAY TO REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 9 29 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI FACILITY WITH A HOOK AND LINE FISHERY INJURY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 9 29 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

DETAILS LACKING, BUT A SEA LION WITH A HOOK AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 1 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MARIN CA SI LINE INJURY WAS TREATED AT A REHAB FACILITY AND NSI P5C 0 N N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 4 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 5 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL WITH GUNSHOT WOUND EUTHANIZED AT REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 6 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 9 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 12 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 13 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL DESCRIBED WITH INJURIES CONSISTENT WITH 

BEING CLUBBED TO DEATH WAS EUTHANIZED IN REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 14 BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA MONTEREY CA SI FACILITY DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 16 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 20 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 23 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 23 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 23 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 24 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 24 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 24 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 24 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 24 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 27 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

RADIOGRAPH SHOWED HALF A DOZEN PELLETS IN NECK. 

C1 AND C2 VERTEBRAE WERE FRACTURED. SEVERAL WERE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 28 SHOOTING KITSAP WA DEAD RETRIEVED ON NECROPSY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN NET, BROUGHT ON DECK AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 31 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI ANIMAL EXITED VESSEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER. NSI P4 0 N N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 31 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 10 31 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL OBSERVED WITH CIRCUMFERENTIAL FISHERY 

ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK. RESCUE ATTEMPT WAS 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY MADE, ANIMAL DARTED DUE TO SIZE AND LOCATION, BUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 3 INTERACTION SAN DIEGO CA SI NOT SEEN AGAIN. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN NET, BROUGHT ON DECK AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 5 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI ANIMAL EXITED VESSEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER. NSI P4 0 N N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 6 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 6 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 6 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 6 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 6 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 6 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 6 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 6 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 6 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 8 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 8 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

DETAILS LACKING ON AN ANIMAL DESCRIBED AS HAVING 

A GILLNET INJURY. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 9 GILLNET FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 Y N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 9 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 9 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 9 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 9 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

GUNSHOT WOUNDS ON RIGHT SIDE OF BODY; THROUGH 

FRONT FLIPPER, ENTRY AND EXIT WOUNDS THROUGH 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 10 SHOOTING LANE OR DEAD ABDOMEN. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN NET, BROUGHT ON DECK AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 12 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR SI ANIMAL EXITED VESSEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER. NSI P4 0 Y N 

THE SNOUT WAS CUT OFF; OBVIOUS BULLET HOLE ON 

VENTRAL BODY BY FOREFLIPPER (POSSIBLE EXIT HOLE); 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 18 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD THE SEA LION HAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 18 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD TWO OBVIOUS BULLET HOLES IN THE ABDOMEN. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

RADIOGRAPH SHOWED BULLET IN NECK. ANIMAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 25 SHOOTING LOS ANGELES CA SI TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI NA 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 25 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL WITH GOOD BODY CONDITION AND OBVIOUS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 28 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD BULLET ENTRY INJURY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 29 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

RIDGEBACK PRAWN BOTTOM ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN NET, BROUGHT ON DECK AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 29 TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI ANIMAL EXITED VESSEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER. NSI P4 0 N N 

ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN NET, BROUGHT ON DECK AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 11 29 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI ANIMAL EXITED VESSEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER. NSI P4 0 N N 

ANIMAL HAD FISH HOOKS IN THE RIGHT SIDE OF MOUTH 

AND UPPER FRONT FLIPPER. TREATED AND RELEASED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 12 10 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P5C 0 N N 

PLASTIC BAG FOUND IN STOMACH OF CARCASS THAT HAD 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 12 10 MARINE DEBRIS PACIFIC WA DEAD BEEN SCAVENGED ON BEACH BY BALD EAGLES. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SUBCUTANEOUS BULLET FOUND IN BLUBBER. CAUSE OF 

DEATH LISTED AS LEPTOSPIROSIS. STRANDING PROGRAM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 12 10 SHOOTING LINCOLN OR NSI SAID BULLET WAS NOT A FACTOR IN CAUSE OF DEATH. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL WITH OIL / TAR AND A DORSAL PUNCTURE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 12 15 OIL / TAR SAN MATEO CA NSI WOUND TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 

LEAD PELLET (0.177 INCH CALIBER) UNDER SKIN BETWEEN 

EAR FLAPS. NO ASSOCIATED SKELETAL DAMAGE. ANIMAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 12 16 SHOOTING SANTA BARBARA CA SI DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL IN GOOD BODY CONDITION WITH OBVIOUS 

BULLET WOUND AT MID-ABDOMEN AND POSSIBLY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 12 18 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD THROUGH HEAD, BASED ON DAMAGE TO SKULL. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN NET, BROUGHT ON DECK AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 NA NA CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI ANIMAL EXITED VESSEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER. NSI P4 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 NA NA CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 NA NA CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 NA NA CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 NA NA CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Injury Injury Count Count 

Initial Injury Final Injury Criteria Proration Against Against 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State Assessment Comments Assessment Code Value LOF PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 NA NA CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2017 NA NA CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH FISH HOOK IN UPPER RIGHT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 1 1 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI LIP. OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P5B 1 N Y 

ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN NET, BROUGHT ON DECK AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 1 2 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI ANIMAL EXITED VESSEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER. NSI P4 0 N N 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH FISH HOOK IN UPPER RIGHT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 1 9 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI LIP. OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P5B 1 N Y 

ANIMAL IN EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION WITH 

PENETRATING WOUND TO HEAD FOUND DEAD ON BEACH. 

MULTIPLE PELLETS / BULLETS FOUND IN HEAD AND NECK 

ON RADIOGRAPHS. DUE TO FRESHNESS SUSPECT THAT SEA 

LION WAS LETHALLY SHOT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO 

QUARTERMASTER HARBOR, LESS THEN 2 DAYS PRIOR TO 

INITIAL REPORT DATE. RECOVERED OF BULLET #1 WAS 

SUFFICIENT TO KILL THE SEA LION. OTHER PROJECTILE IS 

FROM PREVIOUS HUMAN INTERACTIONS AND APPEARS 

TO HAVE BEEN IN THE SEA LION FOR A WHILE NOT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 1 15 SHOOTING KING WA DEAD CONSIDERED PART OF THE CAUSE OF DEATH. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH WHITE PACKING STRAP 

WRAPPED LOOSELY AROUND NECK, STRANDED AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 1 20 MARINE DEBRIS SONOMA CA SI RELEASED, LATER RESTRANDED. OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8B 1 N Y 

UNAUTHORIZED PICKUP OF MALNOURISHED PUP -

MATERNAL SEPARATION. REPORTING PARTY DROVE TO 

MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM RESEARCH INSTITUTE WITH 

ANIMAL AND WAITED FOR TMMC TO PICK UP. FINAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 1 26 HARASSMENT MONTEREY CA SI OUTCOME UKNOWN. SI P14 1 N Y 

RIDGEBACK PRAWN BOTTOM ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN NET, BROUGHT ON DECK AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 1 30 TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI ANIMAL EXITED VESSEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER. NSI P4 0 N N 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 1 30 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

LETHARGIC AND SLIGHTLY THIN. VERY WEAK. BULLET 

FOUND IN DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHS, LOCATED NEAR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 2 6 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI THE SPINE AT THE NECK, DORSALLY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT DETERRENCE USED TO SCARE OFF 5 SEA LIONS FEEDING 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 2 6 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI ON CATCH. NO INJURIES REPORTED. NSI P9 0 N N 

SEA LION WITH FISHING LURE IN THE LOWER RIGHT SIDE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 2 7 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI OF MOUTH. ATTEMPTED A RESCUE, BUT EVADED THE SI P5A 1 N Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 2 7 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 2 7 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 2 7 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

PENETRATING WOUND IN CHEEK WITH TRACKING 

HEMORRHAGE. HEMORRHAGE TRACKED TO BULLET IN 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 2 8 SHOOTING PIERCE WA DEAD MUSCLE JUST ANTERIOR TO C4 VERTRABRAE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MARINE DEBRIS INGESTION; BUBBLE WRAP IN STOMACH 

AND DOMOIC ACID TOXICITY. ANIMAL ORIGINALLY 

STRANDED IN SAN LUIS OBISPO ON 1/7/18 AND RELEASED 

ON 1/26/18 AT CHIMNEY ROCK POINT REYES NATIONAL 

SEASHORE. ANIMAL WAS RESIGHTED AT DRAKES BEACH 

ON 2/13 AND RESTRANDED ON 2/17 IN POINT REYES 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 2 13 MARINE DEBRIS MARIN CA SI NATIONAL SEASHORE. ANIMAL WAS EUTHANIZED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 2 14 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNRESPONSIVE THIN AND LETHARGIC ANIMAL FOUND ON 

BEACH. BULLETS FOUND UPON X-RAY IN HIS LOWER RIGHT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 2 17 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA DEAD JAW. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

ANIMAL HAD A RUBBER BAND AROUND ITS MOUTH, 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

SECURING THE MOUTH CLOSED. RUBBER BAND WAS 

REMOVED ON SITE AND THE ANIMAL WAS RELEASED 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 2 21 MARINE DEBRIS SAN DIEGO CA SI IMMEDIATELY AFTER. NSI P7B 0 N N 

PENETRATING PUNCTURE WOUNDS AT BOTH SIDES OF 

CHEST, ABLE TO TRACK AT LEAST ONE WOUND INTO 

CHEST CAVITY AND THROUGH LUNG. SMALL 1-2CM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION 

U.S. 

U.S. 

2018 

2018 

3 

3 

9 

12 

SHOOTING 

OIL / TAR 

GRAYS HARBOR 

LOS ANGELES 

WA 

CA 

DEAD 

SI 

BULLET (PELLET) RECOVERED FROM INSIDE OF CHEST 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH OIL/TAR ON BODY. 

OUTCOME UNKNOWN. 

DEAD 

SI 

NA 

P9 

1 

1 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

EMACIATED AND DEHYDRATED ANIMAL WITH MULTIPLE 

FISH HOOKS. LOCATION OF HOOKS NOT REPORTED. NO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 3 29 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. BASED ON 

ANIMAL'S CONDITION, ASSUMPTION IS THAT HOOKS 

WERE LOCATED IN HEAD / MOUTH, POSSIBLY 

INTERFERING WITH FEEDING. SI P5A 1 N Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 4 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 10 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 10 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 11 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 11 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 11 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 11 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISHING LURE HANGING FROM MOUTH. APPEARS TO 

HAVE SWALLOWED HOOK. THIN. VERY ACTIVE AND 

AGGRESSIVE. .22 GAUGE BULLET FOUND ON X-RAY. 

LOCATED TO THE LEFT OF THE SPINE, MID-BODY, HALFWAY DOWN THE BODY IN LENGTH. TWO ANIMALS 

DISTURBED DURING RESCUE. NO DETAILS ON WHETHER 

FINAL CONDITION WAS DEAD OR RELEASED POSTCALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 13 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI TREATMENT. ASSUMED TO BE A SERIOUS INJURY BASED SI P2 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 17 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 17 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 18 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 18 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 19 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 19 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISH HOOK IN RIGHT SIDE OF MOUTH. ANIMAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 20 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI EMACIATED AND DEHYDRATED. NO ADDITIONAL DETAILS. SI P5A 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

ANIMAL WITH EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION WITH 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

OBVIOUS HEMORRHAGE PATTERN ON HEAD AND NECK -

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 21 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD LIKELY SHOOTING. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 24 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI 

ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN NET, BROUGHT ON DECK AND 

ANIMAL EXITED VESSEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER. NSI P4 0 N N 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 24 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 24 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 24 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 24 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 25 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EMACIATED AND DEHYDRATED ANIMAL WITH FISH HOOK 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 28 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI IN MOUTH. OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P5A 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 4 28 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 1 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 1 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 1 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 1 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 2 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 3 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 3 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 3 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 3 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 8 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 8 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 8 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 8 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 8 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL DESCRIBED AS HAVING 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

INTERACTED WITH HOOK AND LINE FISHERY. NO DETAILS 

ON INJURY TYPE OR SEVERITY, OR OUTCOME. ASSUMING 

HOOKS WERE IN OR NEAR MOUTH DUE TO CONDITION OF 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 9 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI ANIMAL. SI P5A 1 N Y 

BULLET RETRIEVED FROM A SEA LION WITH EXCELLENT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 9 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT PUP WITH FISHING HOOK IN NOSE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 9 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI TRANSFERRED TO CAPTIVE DISPLAY FACILITY. CAPTIVITY P5B 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 9 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 11 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD 

ANIMAL SHOT IN HEAD; BULLET/PELLET FRAGMENTS 

RETRIEVED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

BULLET RECOVERED FROM A SEA LION WITH EXCELLENT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 14 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 15 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL HAD PROPELLER CUTS ON LATERAL MID-BODY 

AND ONE CUT BEING QUITE DEEP AT THE 

FOREFLIPPER/FOREARM; THIS DEEP CUT WAS ASSOCIATED 

WITH BONE DAMAGE, INFECTION, AND NECROSIS AND IS 

LIKELY THE CUT THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE SEA LION'S 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 22 VESSEL STRIKE CLACKAMAS OR DEAD DEATH. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL DESCRIBED AS HAVING 

INTERACTED WITH HOOK AND LINE FISHERY. NO DETAILS 

ON INJURY TYPE OR SEVERITY, OR OUTCOME. ASSUMING 

HOOKS WERE IN OR NEAR MOUTH DUE TO CONDITION OF 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 23 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI ANIMAL. SI P5A 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL DESCRIBED AS HAVING 

INTERACTED WITH HOOK AND LINE FISHERY. NO DETAILS 

ON INJURY TYPE OR SEVERITY, OR OUTCOME. ASSUMING 

HOOKS WERE IN OR NEAR MOUTH DUE TO CONDITION OF 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 23 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI ANIMAL. SI P5A 1 N Y 

ANIMAL WITH EXTENSIVE HEMORRHAGE CLEARLY SHOT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 24 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD 

MID-ABDOMEN. ANIMAL ALSO HAD GILLNET IN THROAT, 

WHICH WAS PACKED WITH PINKISH REGURGITATION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 24 MARINE DEBRIS SANTA BARBARA CA SI 

ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN LINE OF UNKNOWN TYPE, 

TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY. NO ADDITIONAL DETAILS. NSI P7B 0 N N 

MONOFILAMENT NET AROUND NECK, TIGHTLY CUTTING 

INTO SKIN. 15 ANIMALS WERE DISTURBED DURING THE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 25 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI RESCUE. NO DETAILS ON OUTCOME. NSI P7B 0 Y N 

SUNKEN LEFT EYE, FISH HOOK IN CHEST AND LEFT REAR 

FLIPPER. NO ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON CONDITION OR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 28 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA NSI OUTCOME. NSI P5D 0 N N 

HUMAN-INDUCED ABANDONMENT. TEAM OBSERVED THE 

PUBLIC APPROACHING AND TOUCHING THE PUP ON 

5/31/18. ABANDONED NEONATAL PUP. DEEMED NONRELEASEABLE AND TRANSFERRED TO PUBLIC DISPLAY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 5 31 HARASSMENT SAN DIEGO CA SI FACILITY. CAPTIVITY P14 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 6 1 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI 

FISHING HOOK AND LINE IN LEFT FLIPPER, REMOVED AND 

RELEASED ON SITE. NSI P5C 0 N N 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH TREBLE HOOK IN MOUTH. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 6 13 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI NO ADDITIONAL DETAILS. SI P5A 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL FOUND ON BEACH WITH GREEN 

NETTING AROUND NECK, PATIENT WAS LETHARGIC AND 

THIN WITH DIAGNOSED DOMOIC ACID TOXICITY. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 6 14 GILLNET FISHERY SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 6 18 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

EMACIATED, LETHARGIC. SUSPICIOUS WOUND ABOUT THE 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

SIZE OF A HALF DOLLAR FOUND OVER RIGHT SHOULDER. 

GUNSHOT WOUND. BULLETS FOUND IN SKULL UPON XRAY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 6 21 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA SI PRIOR TO NECROPSY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 6 21 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH TRAWL. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 6 25 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ACTIVE LESION AROUND NECK SUGGESTING 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT, LETHARGIC AND EMACIATED. NO OTHER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 6 27 INTERACTION SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI DETAILS, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

SURFERS DISTENTANGLED ANIMAL FROM GREEN NYLON 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY NETTING. ONE SURFER WAS BITTEN. NO DETAILS ON 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 7 2 INTERACTION SANTA CRUZ CA SI ANIMAL'S CONDITION. NSI P7B 0 Y N 

POSSIBLE BOAT STRIKE - GASH ON BODY ABOVE RIGHT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 7 5 VESSEL STRIKE MONTEREY CA DEAD FLIPPER; BLOOD BY FLIPPER. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL HAD A GAFF IN HIS FACE. HE WAS POLE SEDATED, 

JUMPED IN THE WATER, AND SOMETIME DURING THE 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY RESCUE EFFORTS THE GAFF FELL OFF. ANIMAL WAS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 7 6 INTERACTION SAN DIEGO CA SI RELEASED ON SITE. SI P9 1 Y Y 

MONOFILAMENT FISHING LINE WAS WRAPPED AROUND 

THE NECK IN A SINGLE LOOP (NO LONG PIECES TRAILING) 

WITH AN ASSOCIATED LACERATION WHICH EXTENDS INTO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 7 11 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD THE MUSCLE LAYER. NO ADDITIONAL DETAILS. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNKNOWN FISHERY____MESSAGE CAME THROUGH TO 

NOAA WCR NMFS-LONG BEACH FROM PRIVATE CITIZEN. 

PHOTOS DETERMINED SPECIES, ESTIMATED LENGTH, AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 7 11 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION SAN DIEGO CA DEAD 

HUMAN INTERACTION (LINE AROUND NECK). PHOTOS 

ATTACHED TO THIS RECORD.__ DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SEVERELY INJURED SEA LION WITH EXPOSED SKULL. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 7 16 VESSEL STRIKE VENTURA CA SI INJURIES CONSISTENT WITH A VESSEL STRIKE. SI P15 1 N Y 

PATIENT WAS FOUND WITH MONOFILAMENT NETTING 

CUTTING INTO NECK, PEOPLE SURROUNDING THE PATIENT 

ON THE BEACH, AND ANIMAL LETHARGIC. 

ENTANGLEMENT FILED AWAY AT TMMC. ANIMAL ALSO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 7 19 GILLNET FISHERY SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI HAD DOMOIC ACID TOXICITY. NO DETAILS ON OUTCOME. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

PROPELLER WOUND TO FACE, SHARK BITE ON RIGHT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 7 19 VESSEL STRIKE ORANGE CA SI FLIPPER. NO DETAILS ON OUTCOME. SI P15 1 N Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT SCAR AROUND HEAD, LOWER JAW AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 7 26 INTERACTION SANTA BARBARA CA SI TEETH MISSING. EUTHANIZED ON SITE. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ENTANGLED ANIMAL SEEN, ATTEMPTED CAPTURE FAILED 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY BECAUSE ANIMAL SWAM AWAY. AMOUNT AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 7 27 INTERACTION VENTURA CA SI CONFIGURATION OF ENTANGLING GEAR UNKNOWN. SI P6 1 Y Y 

FISHING HOOK EMBEDDED IN REAR LEFT FLIPPER. LINE 

EXTENDING FROM HOOK WRAPPED AROUND NATIONAL 

MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE TAG ON FRONT LEFT FLIPPER. 

TAG REMOVED DUE TO ENTANGLEMENT AND HOOK 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 1 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI REMOVED. RETAGGED AND RELEASED ON SITE. NSI P5C 0 N N 

_HARASSMENT_MALNUTRITION, 

LEPTOSPIROSIS__PATIENT FOUND LETHARGIC, 

UNRESPONSIVE, AND IN A BAD LOCATION. REPORTED 

THAT THE PATIENT WAS SHOT BY A PAINTBALL GUN AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 1 HARASSMENT MONTEREY CA SI A PASSERBY WAS FLICKING CIGARETTES AT SI P9 1 N Y 

SCAR AROUND NECK FROM PREVIOUS ENTANGLEMENT. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 2 GILLNET FISHERY SAN FRANCISCO CA DEAD NO MONOFILAMENT PRESENT WHEN SCAR WAS DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

EMACIATED AND LETHARGIC ANIMAL FOUND WITH HOOK 

IN THE MOUTH AND IN THE HIND FLIPPER. NO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 2 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA CRUZ CA SI ADDITIONAL DETAILS. SI P5A 1 N Y 

PATIENT WAS FOUND WITH ENTANGLEMENT AROUND 

NECK, POTENTIALLY A PACKING STRAP/ ZIP TIE. PATIENT 

WAS NOTED TO BE LETHARGIC AND DRINKING FROM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 5 MARINE DEBRIS SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI TIDEPOOLS WITH PEOPLE AND DOGS PRESENT. SI P8A 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 6 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type 

LIMITED ENTRY SABLEFISH 

County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 9 HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 10 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION SANTA CRUZ CA SI 

ENTA

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL FOUND WITH LARGE 

NGLEMENT SCAR AROUND NECK. NO ADDITIONAL 

DETAILS. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY MALNOURISED ANIMAL WITH ENTANGLEMENT WOUND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 11 INTERACTION SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI ON NECK. NO FURTHER DETAILS. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 14 SHOOTING MENDOCINO CA DEAD 

BULLET HOLE IN SIDE OF ANIMAL AND ASSOCIATED 

INJURIES TO INTERNAL ORGANS. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

COMATOSE, FOAMING AT THE MOUTH. GOOD WEIGHT 

AND BODY CONDITION. REPORTED BY LIFEGUARDS THAT 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 15 SHOOTING 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

SAN DIEGO CA SI 

SHE CAME ONTO THE BEACH AT 7PM ON 8/14/2018. 

RESCUED AT 9AM ON 8/15/2018. BULLET FOUND IN SKULL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 15 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 18 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI 

SEA LION ENTANGLED IN LINE SEDATED AND 

DISENTANGLED. NO FURTHER DETAILS. NSI P7B 0 N N 

LIMITED ENTRY SABLEFISH DETERRENCE USED TO SCARE OFF 5 SEA LIONS FEEDING 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 21 HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE OR NSI ON CATCH. NO INJURIES REPORTED. NSI P9 0 N N 

MONOFILAMENT LINE WRAPPED AROUND NECK. LINE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 24 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI REMOVED AND ANIMAL RELEASED ON SITE. NSI P7B 0 N N 

THIN ROPE EMBEDDED AROUND NECK. ROPE WAS 

REMOVED AND ANIMAL RELEASED ON SITE. GOOD BODY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 24 MARINE DEBRIS SAN DIEGO CA SI CONDITION. NSI P7B 0 N N 

LIMITED ENTRY SABLEFISH 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 24 HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HOLE IN RIGHT ABDOMEN APPEARS TO BE A BULLET EXIT 

WOUND; END OF RIGHT FRONT FLIPPER APPEARS TORN AS 

IF SHOT OFF; TOP OF HEAD "SCALPED"; SKULL EXPOSED TO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 8 31 SHOOTING LANE OR DEAD BARE BONE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SHOT WITH PAINT BALL GUN. NO DETAILS ON ANIMAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 9 4 SHOOTING LOS ANGELES CA NSI CONDITION. NSI P9 0 N N 

PATIENT NOTED TO HAVE FISHING NET HANGING OUT OF 

MOUTH WITH A HOOK EMBEDDED IN THE MOUTH. THE 

PATIENT WAS ALSO LETHARGIC, EMACIATED, AND 

UNRESPONSIVE AT THE TIME OF RESCUE. OUTCOME 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 9 8 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA CRUZ CA SI UNKNOWN. SI P5A 1 N Y 

ENTANGLED AROUND THE NECK. SKULL, VIBRISSAE, 

BACULUM AND ENTANGLEMENT COLLECTED FOR CAS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 9 10 GILLNET FISHERY SAN MATEO CA DEAD ARCHIVES. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

PATIENT FOUND WITH MONOFILAMENT NETTING 

AROUND NECK CUTTING INTO THE SKIN, BODY CONDITION 

WAS NOTED TO BE GOOD AND THE PATIENT WAS ALERT 

AND ACTIVE. PEOPLE WERE HARASSING THE PATIENT ON 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 9 11 GILLNET FISHERY SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI THE BEACH. OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

ON BOAT DOCK IN CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR WITH 

GILLNET AROUND NECK. SEDATED REMOTELY, REMOVED 

GILLNET AND RELEASED IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 9 14 GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA SI DISENTANGLEMENT. NSI P7B 0 Y N 

MANOURISHED PATIENT FOUND WITH FISH HOOK AND 

CLEAR LINE COMING OUT OF MOUTH. OUTCOME 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 9 15 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SANTA CRUZ CA SI UNKNOWN. SI P5A 1 N Y 

RADIOGRAPH CONFIRMED SEA LION WAS SHOT. THREE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 9 25 SHOOTING KING WA DEAD PROJECTILES RECOVERED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL FOUND WITH GREEN MONOFILAMENT NETTING 

EMBEDDED IN TISSUE AROUND NECK. OUTCOME 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 1 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI UNKNOWN. SI P8A 1 N Y 

ANIMAL BROKE LINE AND HAD TRAILING GEAR OF 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 3 CATCH SHARES HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE OR SI UNKNOWN LENGTH. SI P6 1 Y Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 4 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 7 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH HOOK AND LINE FISHERY 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

INTERACTION TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 8 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI FACILITY. NSI P5C 0 N N 

LETHARGIC ANIMAL HAD LARGE GAFF HOOK IN RIGHT 

UPPER LIP. GAFF WAS REMOVED. WAS ABLE TO USE REAR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 12 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI FLIPPERS. RELEASED ON SITE. OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P9 1 N Y 

DETERRENCE USED TO SCARE OFF 5 SEA LIONS FEEDING 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 12 CATCH SHARES HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE OR NSI ON CATCH. NO INJURIES REPORTED. NSI P9 0 N N 

ANIMAL WITH LEFT FRONT FLIPPER FRACTURE DESCRIBED 

AS HAVING INTERACTED WITH HOOK AND LINE FISHERY. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 15 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI NO FURTHER DETAILS. SI P10 1 N Y 

PATIENT FOUND WITH A BLACK, BELT-LIKE 

ENTANGLEMENT AROUND THE LOWER NECK/ CHEST 

REGION. ENTANGLEMENT WAS SEVERELY CUTTING INTO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 16 MARINE DEBRIS SAN MATEO CA SI THE PATIENT. ANIMAL WAS EUTHANIZED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 19 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 25 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL COLUMBIA RIVER WA ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SWIM GOGGLES STUCK AROUND NECK OF ANIMAL. 

GOGGLES REMOVED AND ANIMAL RELEASED ON SITE. NO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 26 MARINE DEBRIS SAN DIEGO CA SI DETAILS ON SEVERITY OF INJURY. NSI P7B 0 N N 

PATIENT FOUND WITH A NECK ENTANGLEMENT SCAR AND 

FISH HOOK IN SHOULDER, BUT FRESHLY DEAD AT THE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 27 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA DEAD TIME OF ARRIVAL. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 27 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 29 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 29 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

PATIENT FOUND WITH AN BLACK FISHING LINE 

ENTANGLED AROUND NECK. ANIMAL WAS ALSO 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY LETHARGIC AND MODERATELY UNDERWEIGHT WITH 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 31 INTERACTION MENDOCINO CA SI CONFOUNDING LEPTOSPIROSIS AND SEPTICEMIA. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 10 31 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN NET, BROUGHT ON DECK AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 5 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI ANIMAL EXITED VESSEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER. NSI P4 0 N N 

ANIMAL WITH MULTIPLE GUNSHOT PELLETS IN HEAD 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 7 SHOOTING SANTA CRUZ CA DEAD FOUND DURING NECROPSY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CARCASS HAD PUNCTURE WOUNDS AND GASH ON HEAD. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 7 SHOOTING KING WA DEAD STOMACH WAS FULL. X-RAY REVEALED PROJECTILES. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

VISUAL EXAMINATION SHOWED THE HEAD HAD BEEN CUT 

OFF; NO OTHER INJURIES SEEN. EXAMINED BY CASEY 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 8 GILLNET FISHERY KING WA DEAD MCLEAN, ROBIN LINDSEY.__ DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

TRACKING WOUNDS WERE IDENTIFIED FROM THE INSIDE 

OUT FROM THE ABDOMINAL CAVITY AND ONE FROM THE 

THORACIC CAVITY. ABDOMINAL CAVITY FULL OF FREE 

BLOOD. ENTRY OF SHOT THROUGH RIGHT SIDE THORACIC 

CAVITY- TRACKING WOUND BETWEEN RIBS 5 AND 6; 

RECOVERED SHOT INSIDE PERICARDIAL SAC; CLOTTED 

BLOOD. TRACKING WOUND INTO ABDOMINAL CAVITY. #1 

SHOT RECOVERED FROM PERICARDIAL SAC. #2 

RECOVERED FROM RIGHT C1 VERTEBRAE MUSCLE WITH 

TRACKING HEMORRHAGE. #3 FOUND IN BLUBBER ON 

DORSAL LEFT SIDE NECK. JUSTIFICATION: RECOVERED 

SHOT PELLETS FROM PERICARDIUM, AND AROUND 

VERTEBRA C1-3, EVIDENCE FOR TRACKING INTO 

ABDOMINAL CAVITY AS WELL. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT 

BLOOD AND BLOT IN ABDOMEN AND THORACIC CAVITY. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 11 SHOOTING KITSAP WA DEAD THIS IS THE APPARENT CAUSE THE DEATH OF THIS SEA DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

3/4 INCH DIAMETER PUNCTURE SEEN ON BACK AND 

NUMEROUS SMALL PUNCTURE WOUNDS ON LEFT SIDE 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

AND FORE FLIPPER. SHOT PELLETS RECOVERED FROM 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 13 SHOOTING KING WA DEAD BODY ON NECROPSY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

X-RAY SHOWED THREE TYPES OF PROJECTILE IN HEAD AND 

NECK. SMALL SHOT AND ON PROJECTILE FROM OLD 

INJURIES. NOT ABLE TO RECOVER PROJECTILE NEAR C2 

VERTEBRAE. PROJECTILE RECOVERED FROM LEFT LUNG. 

MULTIPLE PERFORATIONS IN COLON AND SMALL 

INTESTINE- 7 VISUALIZED. BASED ON THE TRACKING 

HOLES INTO THORAX AND LOWER ABDOMEN AS WELL AS 

THE EXTENSIVE HEMORRHAGE IN INTO BOTH CAVITY, THE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 14 SHOOTING KITSAP WA DEAD CAUSE OF DEATH IS APPARENT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SKULL AND NECK RADIOGRAPH CONFIRM THREE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 14 SHOOTING KING WA DEAD DIFFERENT TYPES OF PROJECTILES IN HEAD AND NECK. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN NET, BROUGHT ON DECK AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 16 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI ANIMAL EXITED VESSEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER. NSI P4 0 N N 

ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN NET, BROUGHT ON DECK AND 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 16 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI ANIMAL EXITED VESSEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER. NSI P4 0 N N 

BULLETS WERE FOUND ON X-RAY, ONE BULLET AT THE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 17 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA DEAD BASE OF THE SKULL AND ONE BULLET ABOVE THE DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 18 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 20 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CARCASS FOUND FLOATING AND SECURED TO DOCK WITH 

ROPE. DUE TO MULTIPLE TRACKING WOUNDS BASED ON 

EXTERNAL EXAM, CAUSE OF DEATH ATTRIBUTED TO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 22 SHOOTING KING WA DEAD SHOOTING. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

TWO BULLETS FOUND ON XRAY, ONE ON THE RIGHT SIDE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 22 SHOOTING SAN DIEGO CA DEAD 

OF THE NECK/SHOULDER AND ONE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF 

THE MIDBODY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

RETRIEVED SHOT PELLET OUT OF C2 VERTEBRAE WHICH 

WAS FRACTURED AND THERE WAS A TRACKING 

HEMORRHAGE AROUND LOCATION. THIS APPEAR TO BE 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 24 SHOOTING KING WA DEAD SIGNAFICANT TO CAUSE INJURY AND POSSIBLY CAUSE OF DEAD NA 1 N Y 

BULLET WOUNDS. SHOT SIX TIMES IN THE RIGHT SIDE 

AROUND THE SHOULDER AND RIBS AREA. LEFT SIDE 

BRAND V370. NO TAGS PRESENT IDENTIFIED AS ANIMAL 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 26 SHOOTING MARIN CA DEAD THAT WAS BRANDED ON SAN MIGUEL ISLAND AS A PUP IN DEAD NA 1 N Y 

TRACKING WOUND FROM SMALL ROUND HOLE IN BACK 

LEFT SKULL INTO LEFT FRONTAL LOBE. PELLET FOUND IN 

BRAIN TISSUE WITH SURROUNDING HEMORRHAGE. GOOD 

BODY CONDITION, STOMACH FULL OF FOOD. CAUSE OF 

MORTALITY DUE TO GUNSHOT BUT DEATH WAS NOT 

IMMEDIATE--IT SURVIVED LONG ENOUGH TO INHALE A 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 11 28 SHOOTING MASON WA DEAD LARGE AMOUND OF SAND, GRAVEL AND ROCKS. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

RADIOGRAPHS CONFIRMED ANIMAL WAS SHOT. NO 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 12 4 SHOOTING KING WA DEAD FURTHER DETAILS. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

RADIOGRAPH OF HEAD CONFIRMED ANIMAL WAS SHOT. 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 12 4 SHOOTING KING WA DEAD NO ADDITIONAL DETAILS. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 12 8 MARINE DEBRIS SAN DIEGO CA SI SWIMMING GOGGLES ENTANGLED AROUND HEAD. SI P8A 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

WILLIAMETTE SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 12 12 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL FALLS OR ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

WILLIAMETTE SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 12 12 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL FALLS OR ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVAL OF ANIMAL PREYING ON ENDANGERED 

WILLIAMETTE SALMON IN COLUMBIA RIVER. AUTHORIZED UNDER 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 12 20 AUTHORIZED REMOVAL FALLS OR ALIVE MMPA SECTION 120. ANIMAL KILLED BY LETHAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 NA NA MIDWATER TRAWL ROCKFISH OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN NET, BROUGHT ON DECK AND 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CALIFORNIA SEA LION U.S. 2018 NA NA CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA NSI ANIMAL EXITED VESSEL UNDER ITS OWN POWER. NSI P4 0 N N 

SEVERAL IMPRESSIONS AND LACERATIONS INDICATIVE OF 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- ENTANGLEMENT NOTED DURING NECROPSY. ALSO 

BEAKED CALIFORNIA 2014 6 1 UNIDENTIFIED NET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD EVIDENCE OF PAST ENTANGLEMENT (HEALED SCARS). DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

FLUKES SEVERED, CONSISTENT WITH OTHER CASES OF NET 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- ENTANGLED ANIMALS THAT HAVE BODY PARTS CUT OFF 

BEAKED CALIFORNIA 2014 6 11 UNIDENTIFIED NET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD TO FACILITATE REMOVAL FROM A NET DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONGBEAKED CALIFORNIA 2014 7 1 UNIDENTIFIED NET FISHERY VENTURA CA DEAD FRESHLY DEAD DOLPHIN WITH SEVERED FLUKES AND 

NET/ROPE MARKS. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

FRESH DEAD, CAUSE OF DEATH LISTED AS 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY DECOMPRESSION OR 'THE BENDS', CONSISTENT WITH 

BEAKED CALIFORNIA 2014 9 11 INTERACTION SAN LUIS OBISPO CA DEAD DROWNING. NO EXTERNAL INJURIES. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL WAS EMACIATED WITH HOOK LODGED IN LEFT 

GAPE ATTACHED TO A RED MULTIFILAMENT LINE WITH 

LEAD WEIGHT. MULTIFILAMENT LINE WRAPPED THROUGH 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- AXILLARY REGION OF BOTH PECTORAL FINS, AROUND 

BEAKED CALIFORNIA 2015 3 14 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD DORSAL FIN, PEDUNCLE AND THROUGH THE MOUTH. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

BEAKED CALIFORNIA 2015 7 12 INTERACTION VENTURA CA DEAD RIGHT FLUKE CLEANLY CUT OFF. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

BEAKED CALIFORNIA 2015 7 13 INTERACTION VENTURA CA DEAD PEDUNCLE AND FLUKES CLEANLY CUT OFF. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MULTIPLE LINEAR IMPRESSIONS ACROSS ENTIRE BODY 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- INDICATES EXTENSIVE ENTANGLEMENT. DORSAL FIN AND 

BEAKED CALIFORNIA 2015 8 8 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD FLUKES HAD BEEN REMOVED. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

FLUKES ARE ABSENT, IMPRESSIONS/NICKS ON DORSAL 

PEDUNCLE, AND LINEAR IMPRESSIONS DORSALLY AT 

BEAKED CALIFORNIA 2015 8 24 INTERACTION SAN DIEGO CA DEAD AXILLA SUGGEST FISHERY INTERACTION. SPECIES ID PER DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2015 11 27 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

DEEP LACERATIONS WERE FOUND ON RIGHT AND LEFT 

PECTORAL FIN INSERTIONS. SUPERFICIAL LACERATIONS 

(EXPOSING BLUBBER BUT NOT MUSCLE) AND 

IMPRESSIONS WERE FOUND CIRCUMVENTING THE HEAD 

AND CRISS-CROSS ON THE VENTRUM BETWEEN THE 

PECTORAL FINS. ADDITIONAL IMPRESSIONS WERE FOUND 

ANTERIOR TO THE DORSAL FIN CIRCUMVENTING 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- CAUDALLY. NO GEAR WAS FOUND ON THE ANIMAL. 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2016 2 16 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD MARKS ON ANIMAL ARE CONSISTENT WITH GILLNET DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

NECROPSY REVEALED DEEP PENETRATING CHRONIC 

ENTANGLEMENT AROUND THE FLUKE, THE TISSUE WAS 

NECROTIC. IN ADDITION, THERE WERE DEEP CHRONIC 

LACERATIONS THROUGH THE MOUTH. SOME LINE WAS 

RECOVERED FROM WITHIN THE FLUKE TISSUE, NO GEAR 

WAS FOUND IN THE MOUTH. ANIMAL WAS INITIALLY 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- FOUND ALIVE BY SWIMMERS AND EXPIRED PRIOR TO 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2016 2 17 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI ARRIVAL OF SEA WORLD PERSONNEL. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

DOLPHIN IN GOOD CONDITION - NO OBVIOUS SIGNS OF 

TRAUMA OTHER THAN A TEAR ON THE RIGHT FLIPPER, 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

POSSIBLY FROM LINE AND MARKS ON ROSTRUM/MELON 

THAT APPEAR TO BE FROM A PRIOR OR RECENT 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2016 7 2 INTERACTION VENTURA CA SI ENTANGLEMENT. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- LINEAR IMPRESSIONS ON HEAD, BODY, VENTRUM SLICED 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2016 12 17 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD OPEN. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONGBEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 1 6 GILLNET FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA DEAD FLUKE CLEANLY AMPUTATED AT PEDUNCLE DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY LINE ENTANGLEMENT SCAR ON ROSTRUM AND CRANIAL 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 4 19 INTERACTION SAN DIEGO CA DEAD TRAUMA FROM UNKNOWN SOURCE. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MULTIPLE LINEAR IMPRESSIONS ON PECTORAL FINS, 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- ROSTRUM, DORSAL FIN, VENTRUM, AND PEDUNCLE. TAIL 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 6 6 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD STOCK SEVERED, FLUKES MISSING. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 6 9 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Injury Injury Count Count 

Initial Injury Final Injury Criteria Proration Against Against 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State Assessment Comments Assessment Code Value LOF PBR 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONGBEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 6 16 GILLNET FISHERY ORANGE CA DEAD FLUKES CUT OFF. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL OBSERVED DEAD BY CDFW WARDEN WITH FLOAT 

AND LINE WRAPPED AROUND IT. GEAR POSITIVELYIDENTIFIED THROUGH LICENSE NUMBER ON GEAR. 

ANIMAL WAS IDENTIFIED AS GENERIC 'COMMON 

DOLPHIN', BUT THE LONG-BEAKED SPECIES IS THE 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- PREDOMINANT SPECIES IN THIS AREA. ANIMAL 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 8 2 CA SPOT PRAWN TRAP FISHERY VENTURA CA DEAD DISENTANGLED FROM GEAR AND SET ADRIFT. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY GAFF HOOK USED TO REMOVE ANIMAL FROM FISHING 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 11 26 INTERACTION LOS ANGELES CA DEAD GEAR. ANIMAL HAD STOMACH FULL OF MARKET SQUID. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ONE OF THREE DOLPHINS FOUND FLOATING 3 MILES 

OFFSHORE BY U.S. BORDER PATROL. ANIMALS HAD 

LINEAR MARKS CONSISTENT WITH A MULTIFLIAMENT 

GILLNET ENTANGLEMENT. MESH SIZE WAS 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- APPROXIMATELY 8 CM UNSTRETCHED, POSSIBLY SMALLBEAKED CA-OR-WA 2018 3 2 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD MESH DRIFT GILLNET ORIGIN. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ONE OF THREE DOLPHINS FOUND FLOATING 3 MILES 

OFFSHORE BY U.S. BORDER PATROL. ANIMALS HAD 

LINEAR MARKS CONSISTENT WITH A MULTIFLIAMENT 

GILLNET ENTANGLEMENT. MESH SIZE WAS 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- APPROXIMATELY 8 CM UNSTRETCHED, POSSIBLY SMALLBEAKED CA-OR-WA 2018 3 2 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD MESH DRIFT GILLNET ORIGIN. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ONE OF THREE DOLPHINS FOUND FLOATING 3 MILES 

OFFSHORE BY U.S. BORDER PATROL. ANIMALS HAD 

LINEAR MARKS CONSISTENT WITH A MULTIFLIAMENT 

GILLNET ENTANGLEMENT. MESH SIZE WAS 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- APPROXIMATELY 8 CM UNSTRETCHED, POSSIBLY SMALLBEAKED CA-OR-WA 2018 3 2 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD MESH DRIFT GILLNET ORIGIN. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- ANIMAL BEACH-STRANDED IN SAME AREA AS 3-2-2018 

BEAKED CALIFORNIA 2018 3 3 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD CASES, WITH SIMILAR LINEAR NET MARK IMPRESSIONS. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

BEAKED CALIFORNIA 2018 3 8 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONGBEAKED CALIFORNIA 2018 8 8 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD FLUKES CUT OFF. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ROSTRUM AND MANDIBLES BROKEN; NO SIGNIFICANT 

FINDINGS ON HISTOPATHOLOGY. THE ANIMAL HAD 

EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. LOOKS AS THOUGH ANIMAL 

COMMON DOLPHIN, LONG- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY EXSANGUINATED; INDENTATIONS ON RIGHT FLIPPER AND 

BEAKED CALIFORNIA 2018 11 5 INTERACTION PACIFIC WA DEAD ALONG PEDUNCLE; NO SIGNIFICANT PATHOLOGY. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2014 1 14 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2014 1 15 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2014 1 17 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- FRESHLY DEAD ANIMAL WITH GAFF MARKS, FLUKES AND 

BEAKED CALIFORNIA 2014 10 23 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD DORSAL FIN SEVERED. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET OBSERVER PROGRAM, ONE OF TWO ANIMALS IN SAME 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2014 12 6 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD SET DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET OBSERVER PROGRAM, ONE OF TWO ANIMALS IN SAME 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2014 12 6 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD SET DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2014 12 17 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2016 10 25 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2016 10 26 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2016 12 5 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2016 12 22 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Injury Injury Count Count 

Initial Injury Final Injury Criteria Proration Against Against 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State Assessment Comments Assessment Code Value LOF PBR 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 1 6 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORTBEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 1 7 CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 1 7 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 1 7 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 1 8 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 1 8 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 1 18 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 3 7 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 5 4 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 11 10 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 11 12 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 11 14 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 11 14 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 11 19 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 12 1 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 12 1 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 12 1 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2017 12 1 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2018 1 13 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- TAIL APPEARED TO BE CUT OFF, SUSPECTED GILLNET 

BEAKED NA 2018 6 5 GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA DEAD INTERACTION. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

COMMON DOLPHIN, SHORT- CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

BEAKED CA-OR-WA 2018 12 9 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

FISHERMEN DISENTANGLED A LETHARGIC DOLPHIN THAT 

HAD LINE WRAPPED AROUND AND CUTTING INTO THE 

COMMON DOLPHIN, FLUKES. CONDITION OF ANIMAL INDICATES A SERIOUS 

UNIDENTIFIED NA 2018 1 13 MARINE DEBRIS ORANGE CA SI INJURY. ENTANGLING MATERIAL UNKNOWN. SI S7B 1 N Y 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

DALL'S PORPOISE CA-OR-WA 2014 11 10 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

LACERATION ON FLUKE; LEFT SIDE OF TAIL HAS LINE 

INDENTATION FROM A NET ENTANGLEMENT; RIGHT SIDE 

DALL'S PORPOISE CA-OR-WA 2016 6 19 GILLNET FISHERY SAN JUAN WA DEAD OF FLUKE NOTCH HAS LINE FROM A NET ENTANGLEMENT. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CALL RECEIVED FROM NAVAL BASE VENTURA COUNTYPORT HIUENEME PORT OPERATIONS OF A DEAD WHALE 

FLOATING IN HARBOR NEXT TO SHIP. CIMWI VOLUNTEER 

WENT TO SITE TO CONFIRM. TOOK PICTURES. NOTIFIED 

STRANDING COORDINATOR-NMFS,BASE 

BIOLOGIST,CIMWI DIRECTOR, AND CIRCU. 7/30/14 

ARRANGEMENTS BEING MADE BETWEEN NMFS AND NAVY 

TO HAVE WHALE TOWED TO A SITE FOR NECROPSY. 

NECROPSY PERFORMED BY MEMBERS OF 

NMFS,CIMWI,CIRCU,ETC. VESSEL ASSIST TOWED REMAINS 

FIN WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 7 29 VESSEL STRIKE VENTURA CA DEAD OUT TO SEA. EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL EXAM AND DEAD NA 1 N Y 
 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

2.5 MILES WEST OF DANA POINT HARBOR. UNKNOWN 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

GEAR BEHIND BLOWHOLE, APPEARS TO BE CONSTRICTING 

AND LOOKS TO EXTEND TOWARDS MOUTH. GEAR 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT UNKNOWN. VIDEO AND 

FIN WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 2 7 INTERACTION ORANGE CA SI PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA AND A. HENRY. SI L2 1 Y Y 

MODERATE DECOMPOSITION. NECROPSIED. 307 PLATES 

OF BALEEN (LEFT), PARTS OF BROKEN VERTEBRA FROM 

FIN WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 4 10 VESSEL STRIKE LOS ANGELES CA DEAD CONTACT ZONE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WHALE STUCK ON BOW OF VESSEL. CARCASS TOWED TO 

FIN WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 8 24 VESSEL STRIKE ALAMEDA CA DEAD ANGEL ISLAND FOR NECROPSY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

2 MILES OFF DANA POINT. PHOTOS SHOW ROPE / LINE 

AROUND BODY OF TRAVELING WHALE, BEHIND 

BLOWHOLE BUT FORWARD OF PECTORAL FLIPPER AREA. 

LINE APPEARS TO BE TIGHT / CONSTRICTING AROUND 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY ANIMAL. WHALE APPEARs SLIGHTLY EMACIATED. HEALTH 

FIN WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 10 9 INTERACTION ORANGE CA SI DECLINE. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA AND A. SI L2 1 Y Y 

FIN WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 1 5 VESSEL STRIKE ALAMEDA CA DEAD
 

FIN WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 5 12 VESSEL STRIKE PIERCE WA DEAD
 ON 5/16/2018 NOAA RECEIVED A REPORT FROM S.F. BAY 

HARBOR PILOTS ABOUT A DECEASED WHALE DRAPED 

ACROSS THE BOW OF A LARGE SHIP ENTERING THE BAY. 

WHALE WAS OBSERVED FALLING OFF THE BOW IN THE 

TURNING CHANNEL NEAR OAKLAND. ON 5/18/2018 THE 

MARINE MAMMAL CENTER RECEIVED A REPORT 

REGARDING A DECEASED WHALE PARTIALLY SUBMERGED, 

WEDGED BETWEEN POSTS AND PINNED UNDERNEATH A 

BRIDGE NEAR OAKLAND. ON 5/18, WHALE WAS TOWED 

TO ANGEL ISLAND FOR A NECROPSY. TWO VERTEBRAE OF 

THE UPPER LUMBAR REGION WERE DISPLACED 90 

DEGREES FROM THE REMAINING LUMBAR VERTEBRAE. 

THE INTERVERTEBRAL DISC AND LIGAMENTOUS SUPPORT 

WERE COMPLETELY RUPTURED. DEGREE OF 

DISPLACEMENT WOULD SURELY HAVE SEVERED THE 

SPINAL CORD. NOTE THAT SINCE WHALE WAS TOWED BY 

TAIL, DEGREE OF ACTUAL DISPLACEMENT MAY HAVE BEEN 

FIN WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 5 16 VESSEL STRIKE ALAMEDA CA DEAD REDUCED DURING TOWING (WHICH TENDS TO 

NECROPSY REPORT AND PHOTOS NOTE EXTENSIVE 

DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MUSCLE HEMMORHAGING, FRACTURES TO SKULL, RIBS, 

AND VERTEBRAE. CONSISTENT WITH VESSEL STRIKE AS 

FIN WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 5 22 VESSEL STRIKE MARIN CA DEAD CAUSE OF DEATH AS NOTED IN NECROPSY REPORT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL FIRST REPORTED OFF YERBA BUENA ISLAND ON 

1/5/2017 BY USCG, WHEN A VESSEL APPEARED TO HAVE A 

CARCASS WRAPPED AROUND ITS BOW. THE CARCASS FELL 

OFF AS THE VESSEL TURNED TO APPROACH THE CHANNEL. 

CARCASS WAS THEN SEEN AGAIN FLOATING IN OAKLAND
 

HARBOR ON 1/7/2017. DUE TO BAD WEATHER AND
 

LOGISTICAL DELAYS IN GETTING CARCASS TOWED TO AN
 

APPROPRIATE SITE (ANGEL ISLAND), A PARTIAL NECROPSY
 

WAS CONDUCTED ON FEB. 6TH AND ANOTHER ON MARCH
 

2ND. FRACTURED RIBS WERE IDENTIFIED VIA NECROPSY 

AND CAUSE OF DEATH ATTRIBUTED TO VESSEL STRIKE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FRESHLY-DEAD WHALE FOUND ON THE BOW OF A VESSEL
 

AS IT APPROACHED COMMENCEMENT BAY. THIS WHALE
 

WAS IN GOOD BODY CONDITION, WITH OILY BLUBBER
 

AND A GOOD AMOUNT OF SUBCUTANEOUS FAT, AND
 

HAD BEEN RECENTLY FEEDING ON A LARGE QUANTITY OF
 

KRILL BASED ON BOTH STOMACH AND INTESTINAL 

CONTENTS AND SOME REMAINS FOUND IN THE BALEEN. 

THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF HEMORRHAGE 

ALONG THE MID-BACK, WHICH WAS DETERMINED TO BE 

THE IMPACT POINT OF THE SHIP WHILE THE WHALE WAS DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

A BALL OF DARK ROPE ON THE BACK POSTERIOR TO 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

BLOWHOLE THAT LEADS TO THE HEAD AND MOUTH AREA. 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

ROPE APPEARED TIGHT / TAUGHT IN PHOTOS REVIEWED 

BY J. CARRETTA. NO TAIL WRAPS, NO TRAILING GEAR. 

FIN WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 5 24 INTERACTION SANTA BARBARA CA SI AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. SI L2 1 Y Y 

CAME IN DEAD ON BOW OF VESSEL. LARGE IMPACT 

WOUND ON RIGHT SIDE OF BODY BEHIND PECTORAL 

FIN WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 10 8 VESSEL STRIKE LOS ANGELES CA DEAD FLIPPER. JAWS BEGINNING TO TEAR APART. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT ON HEAD OF WHALE, INCLUDED FLOAT. SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2014 1 5 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY ENTANGLED IN UNSPECIFIED GEAR. AMOUNT AND SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2014 4 15 INTERACTION VENTURA CA SI (PRORATE) CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

GRAY WHALE 

GRAY WHALE 

EASTERN N PACIFICPCFG 

EASTERN N PACIFICPCFG 

2014 

2014 

5 

5 

27 

28 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT 

CURRY 

LINCOLN 

OR 

OR 

SI (PRORATE) 

SI (PRORATE) 

ENTANGLED GRAY WHALE APPEARED TO BE SWIMMING 

WELL. VIDEO SHOWS AN ORANGE/RED OR WHITE/RED 

BUOY TRAILING JUST A FEW FEET BEHIND IT. OBSERVER 

LOST SIGHT OF THE ANIMAL BEFORE CONTACTING 

OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY. AMOUNT AND 

CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. 

GRAY WHALE CALF (ATTENDED BY MOTHER) ENTANGLED 

IN LINE AROUND HEAD AND TRAILING ONE ORANGE AND 

ONE WHITE BUOY. BUOYS ESTIMATED TO BE 20-25 FT 

BEHIND FLUKES. NO DISENTANGLEMENT ATTEMPT. BOTH 

ANIMALS MOVING NORTH AT APPROX. 3.5 KTS 

(SHADOWED BY RHIB VESSEL), THUS IT IS THOUGHT NO 

POT/TRAP IS ATTACHED TO ANIMAL, OTHERWISE SPEED 

WOULD BE SLOWER. MOTHER OF CALF IS A KNOWN 

ANIMAL (CRC-554) WITH NORTHERN CA / SOUTHERN OR 

SIGHTING HISTORY BACK TO 1997. GIVEN THE SIGHTING 

HISTORY OF MOTHER, SHE AND CALF ARE CONSIDERED 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

L10 

L10 

0.75 

0.75 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

GRAY WHALE 

GRAY WHALE 

GRAY WHALE 

EASTERN N PACIFIC 

EASTERN N PACIFIC 

EASTERN N PACIFIC 

2014 

2014 

2014 

7 

9 

9 

24 

2 

11 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

GILLNET FISHERY 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

ORANGE 

LOS ANGELES 

SAN DIEGO 

CA 

CA 

CA 

SI (PRORATE) 

SI 

SI (PRORATE) 

ENTANGLED WITH YELLOW LINE WRAPPED AROUND ITS 

BODY, MAY INVOLVE MOUTH, NO BUOYS; WHALE LICE ON 

HEAD AND POST CRANIAL DIP; UNKNOWN GEAR TYPE. 

GEAR DISCARDED BEFORE NOAA COULD EVALUATE. FREESWIMMING; NEWPORT BEACH LG FREED WHALE; 

RESIGHTED MOVING NORTH 7/26. SERIOUS INJURY 

BECAUSE LACK OF CONFIRMATION THAT ALL GEAR WAS 

GILLNET, PINK 8.25 INCH MESH, GEAR EXTENDS 40 FEET 

BEHIND ANIMAL- GEAR ORIGINATED IN MOUTH AND CUT 

DOWN TO 10 FEET OUT BOTH SIDES OF MOUTH. 

ENTANGLEMENT DEEPLY EMBEDDED IN MOUTH, 

RUNNING DOWN BOTH SIDES OF BODY, UNDER THE 

PECTORAL FINS, AND OVER THE FLUKE. CUT LINE ON SIDE 

OF BODY WITH CUTTING KNIFE, SOME GEAR REMAINING 

IN MOUTH. L2 SERIOUS INJURY BECAUSE OF REMAINING 

GEAR ON ANIMAL AND APPARENT CONSTRICTING NATURE 

OF GEAR ('DEEPLY EMBEDDED'). MESH SIZE IS 

CONSISTENT WITH CALIFORNIA SET GILLNET FISHERY FOR 

HALIBUT, BUT IT IS UNKNOWN WHERE ANIMAL PICKED UP 

GEAR. SIMILAR MESH SIZES MAY BE USED SOUTH OF US / 

ENTANGLED WITH YELLOW POLYLINE AND A COUPLE OF 

FLOATS TRAILING BEHIND. THRASHING INDICATES RECENT 

ENTANGLEMENT; ANIMAL IN DISTRESS; ANIMAL NOT 

RESIGHTED, POSSIBLY LIFE-THREATNING. 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

SI 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

L10 

L2 

L10 

0.75 

1 

0.75 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

PIER 52 SEATTLE FERRY DOCK. SHARP FORCE TRAUMA 

CAUSED BY LARGE PROPELLER. DEFINITE CAUSE OF
 

MORTALITY. 5-6 PROPELLER CUTS ON R SIDE/ACROSS
 

BACK, BEGINNING JUST DORSAL OF RIGHT PECTORAL FIN.
 

UNABLE TO SEE HOW FAR THEY EXTEND ACROSS BACK
 

DUE TO CARCASS POSITION, VISIBLE PORTIONS 80-180CM.
 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2015 1 21 VESSEL STRIKE KING WA DEAD MODERATELY DECOMPOSED WHALE. DEAD NA 1 N Y
 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

ENTANGLED IN BLUE / GREEN GILLNET, NET AROUND 

HEAD / BLOWHOLE REGION, FULL GEAR CONFIGURATION 

UNKNOWN, BUT AN ABSENCE OF GEAR ON FLUKES AND 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

PEDUNCLE NOTED. ANIMAL MILLING AT SURFACE AND 

CHANGING DIRECTION OFTEN. HEAVY COATING OF 

BARNACLES ON BODY, ANIMAL IN POOR CONDITION, 

WITH NECROTIC TISSUE ON THE HEAD EVIDENT. LONGTERM SURVIVAL UNLIKELY. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2015 2 2 GILLNET FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI CARRETTA AND D. WELLER. SI L10 1 Y Y 

POSSIBLE CRAB POTS. BUOY COLORS DIFFICULT TO SEE 

FROM COAST GUARD VIDEO, REPORTED AS RED AND 

WHITE. LINE COMES DOWN BOTH SIDES OF BODY AND 

COMES TOGETHER AT BUOY 1 ABOUT 10 FT IN FRONT OF 

THE FLUKE, 2ND BUOY RIGHT AT FLUKE INSERTION 

WRAPPED AROUND TIGHTLY WITH BUOY AT SURFACE; 

EXAMINATION OF USCG VIDEO BY J. CARRETTA INDICATES 

EVIDENCE OF CONSTRICTING WRAP AND A WHALE THAT 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY HAS DIFFICULTY TRAVELING NORMALLY. WARRANTS USE 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2015 2 26 INTERACTION SANTA BARBARA CA SI OF SERIOUS INJURY CATEGORY L2. SI L2 1 Y Y 

INITIALLY SEEN BREACHING MULTIPLE TIMES, THEN 

RESTING AT SURFACE AND ATTEMPTING TO SWIM 

BACKWARDS WITH MOUTH OPEN. LINE OR ROPE TRAILING 

DOWN LEFT SIDE FROM MOUTH TO THE PECTORAL FIN 

AND AFT OF THE BLOWHOLES, UNABLE TO SEE WHERE THE 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY LINE ORIGINATED. FULL CONFIGURATION OF GEAR IS SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2015 3 7 INTERACTION ORANGE CA SI (PRORATE) UNKNOWN. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. 

SELF REPORT FROM FISHERMAN IN HIS OWN GEAR; 1 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

CRAB POT ON 300 FT OF LINE SET IN 250 FT WITH 2 BUOYS 

(1 ORANGE/1 PURPLE) WITH TEAL LINE CONNECTING TO 

BLUE POLY LINE WRAPPED AROUND THE FLUKE; TIER 1 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY CDFW DUNGENESS CRAB GEAR. FULL EXTENT OF GEAR SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2015 3 11 (CALIFORNIA) SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI (PRORATE) ENTANGLEMENT UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

LINE COMING OUR RIGHT SIDE OF MOUTH, MORE 

TRAILING LINE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH. PHOTOS 

REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA AND D. WELLER. PHOTOS DO 

NOT SHOW GEAR, BUT RESPONDERS (J. CALAMBOKIDOS) 

CONFIRMED PRESENCE OF GEAR. FULL GEAR 

CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. ANIMAL HAS MODERATE 

EASTERN N PACIFIC- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY CYAMID / BARNACLE LOAD, INDICATIONS OF A HEALTH 

GRAY WHALE PCFG 2015 3 16 INTERACTION ORANGE CA SI DECLINE, THUS ASSIGNED A SERIOUS INJURY VALUE = 1. SI L10 1 Y Y 

GRAY WHALE REPORTED WITH TAIL ENTANGLED IN 

FISHING LINE, WITH ORANGE BUOY ATTACHED. NO 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY PHOTOS OR VIDEO TO DETERMINE EXTENT OF GEAR SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2015 3 19 INTERACTION JEFFERSON WA SI (PRORATE) ENTANGLEMENT. REPORTED BY A TUGBOAT TO USCG. 

USCG SECTOR NORTH BEND, OREGON REPORTED WHALE 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

TO BE TRAVELING NORTH AT 3 MPH WITH 3 OTHER 

CONSPECIFICS AND A CALF. ~30 FEET OF LINE WITH A 

SINGLE YELLOW BUOY TRAILING BEHIND THE WHALE, 

APPEARED TO BE MOVING OKAY AND NO DESCRIPTION OF 

WHERE ON THE BODY LINE WAS WRAPPED. 5/25/2015: 

REPORTED AGAIN BY A WHALE WATCH VESSEL OUT OF 

DEPOE BAY, WAS SIGHTED HOURS EARLIER IN NEWPORT, 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2015 5 21 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT CURRY OR SI (PRORATE) 

OR. LAST KNOWN LOCATION ON 5/25/2015 WAS JUST 

SOUTH OF THE CAPE MEARES LIGHTHOUSE SWIMMING 

NORTH AT 3MPH. GEAR CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN, 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

A FRESH GRAY WHALE CARCASS WAS DISCOVERED ON THE 

COPPER RIVER DELTA. THE CARCASS DISPLAYED LINEAR 

CUTS AND CHAFING ON THE ROSTRUM, INDICATIVE OF 

VALDEZ- RECENT GILLNET ENTANGLEMENT. EXAMINED BY K. 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2015 5 23 GILLNET FISHERY CORDOVA AK DEAD WYNNE AND E. LYMAN. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

FISHERMEN SELF-REPORT, BRINGING IN SET NET WHEN 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

GRAY WHALE APPROACHED FROM UNDER BOAT, HIT NET, 

SPUN, VIOLENTLY REACTED, EVENTUALLY BROKE FREE, 

UNCERTAIN IF ANY GEAR REMAINED ON WHALE; 

FISHERMAN UNSURE IF EVEN REALLY EVER ENTANGLED 

BUT THINKS 20 FT OF HIS NET MAY BE HAVE BEEN GONE. 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE UNKNOWN GEAR CONFIGURATION ON ANY REMAINING SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2015 7 30 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY ORANGE CA SI (PRORATE) GEAR. NO PHOTOS. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

JUVENILE GRAY WHALE FOUND ANCHORED AND 

ENTANGLED IN A MARINE SET GILLNET INSIDE NEAH BAY. 

WHALE HAD 3-4 WRAPS OF LEADLINE AND CORKLINE 

AROUND THE CAUDAL PEDUNCLE WITH LINES STREAMING 

OVER THE FLUKE LEADING TO A MASS OF GILLNET MESH 

AND LINES. WHALE REMAINED IN AREA, WITH MULTIPLE 

DISENTANGLEMENT EFFORTS CONTINUING INTO 

SEPTEMBER. FINAL PHOTOS OF WHALE SHOW ANIMAL 

SWIMMING FREE, FEEDING NORMALLY, AND APPARENTLY 

GEAR FREE. INITIAL INJURY ASSESSMENT IS L2 BECAUSE 

OF CONSTRICTING GEAR, BUT FINAL ASSESSMENT IS NONSERIOUS INJURY BECAUSE OF INTERVENTION EFFORTS TO 

REMOVE GEAR. BIOPSY SAMPLE ALSO OBTAINED AND 

EASTERN N PACIFIC- SENT TO SWFSC. PHOTOS AND NARRATIVE PROVIDED BY 

GRAY WHALE PCFG 2015 8 15 GILLNET FISHERY CLALLAM WA SI MAKAH TRIBE, REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. NSI L2 0 Y N 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2015 9 8 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION SANTA BARBARA CA SI (PRORATE) 

GRAY WHALE REPORTED AS ENTANGLED IN NETTING, NO 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS. 

VESSEL REPORTED A GRAY WHALE ENTANGLED IN 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

NETTING WITH NO TRAILING GEAR 12 MILES OFF SAN SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2015 9 26 GILLNET FISHERY ORANGE CA SI (PRORATE) ONOFRE. NO FURTHER DETAILS AVAILABLE. 

ENTANGLED ON LEFT SIDE TRAILING LOBSTER-TYPE BUOY 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2015 12 21 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT SAN DIEGO CA SI (PRORATE) 

POSSIBLY ALSO ON FLUKES, BUOY ORANGE IN COLOR AND 

EASILY VISIBLE. GEAR CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

ENTANGLED IN ROPE, DRAGGING A SINGLE WHITE BUOY. 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY TRAVELING WITH OTHER WHALES SOUTHBOUND, NO SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2016 2 5 INTERACTION ORANGE CA SI (PRORATE) PHOTOS. OFF DANA POINT. 

"S" SHAPED LACERATIONS ALONG LEFT LATERAL SIDE AT 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

ABDOMINAL (6) AND PEDUNCLE (6)INDICATE THIS ANIMAL 

WAS HIT BY A SHIP, ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT CLEAR IF THIS 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2016 3 24 VESSEL STRIKE SAN DIEGO CA DEAD HAPPENED BEFORE OR AFTER DEATH. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

JUVENILE OR CALF SWIMMING NORTH WITH YELLOW 

LINE, MULTIPLE WRAPPED AROUND TAIL STOCK, OVER 

FLUKES, 2 WHITE BULLET BUOYS AT BASE OF TAIL STOCK, 

LINE TRAILING WHALE 50 FEET. ANIMAL RE-SIGHTED ON 

4/27/2016, SWIMMING WITH ADULT ANIMAL OFF BIG 

SUR. NO TELEMETRY ATTEMPT MADE BECAUSE OF SMALL 

SIZE OF WHALE. CONFIGURATION AND SEVERITY OF 

ENTANGLEMENT UNKNOWN. OUTCOME UNKNOWN. 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY EXTENSIVE WRAPS LIKELY TO BECOME CONSTRICTING AS 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2016 4 21 INTERACTION ORANGE CA SI ANIMAL GROWS. SI L2 1 Y Y 

LINE WRAPPED AROUND THE BASE OF THE FLUKES; WHITE 

BUOY AT BASE OF TAIL, TRAILING LINE APPEARS TO BE 15-

20 FEET LONG, NO FLOATS ATTACHED TO TRAILING LINE 

[NOT SAME WHALE AS 20160421ER, BASED OFF 

COMPARISON OF VIDEO TO PHOTOS, BODY SIZE, 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2016 4 22 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION ORANGE CA SI (PRORATE) 

SWIMMING PATTERN, COLOR PATTERN]. ANIMAL 

DESCRIBED AS MOVING NORTH AT 2-3KTS AND NOT 

USCG MOTOR LIFEBOAT STRUCK A GRAY WHALE WHILE 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 10 KNOTS. FOLLOWING 

COLLISION, WHALE POPPED ITS HEAD ABOVE THE 

SURFACE AND THEN DOVE. USCG MOTOR LIFEBOATS ARE 

EASTERN N PACIFIC- APPROXIMATELY 45 FT IN SIZE. NO DETAILS ON INJURY TO 

GRAY WHALE PCFG 2016 7 22 VESSEL STRIKE LINCOLN OR NSI WHALE. NSI L6C 0 N N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

MULTIPLE DEEP CUTS INTO LEFT THORAX AND ABDOMEN 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

EASTERN N PACIFIC- CLEARLY INDICATE PROPELLER WOUNDS. MODERATELYGRAY WHALE PCFG 2016 8 1 VESSEL STRIKE CURRY OR DEAD DECOMPOSED CALF. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

TIGHT MULTIPLE WRAPS AROUND TAILSTOCK RIGHT AT 

THE FLUKE INSERTION WITH 3 LINES CUTTING INTO THE 

LEADING EDGES OF THE FLUKES AND TRAILING OVER THE 

TOP OF THE FLUKES. THE REST OF LINES WRAPPED 

AROUND PEDUNCLE GO UNDER THE TAIL AND TRAIL 

APPROX. 50-75 FEET BEHIND THE WHALE. IN THE LINE 

THERE ARE THREE BUOYS (ALL BULLET) WITH ONE BEING A 

BIT SMALLER ORANGE AND THEN TWO LITTLE LARGER 

BUOYS. ONE WAS ALL ORANGE AND THE OTHER TRICOLOR 

WITH ORANGE AT TOP/ WHITE IN MIDDLE / AND BLACK 

ON BOTTOM. THIS BUOY HAD A CALIFORNIA DCRAB TAG 

THAT WAS LIGHT BLUE BUT COULDN'T READ ANYTHING 

ON IT. PARTIAL DISENTANGLEMENT ACCOMPLISHED AND 

RESIGHT OF ANIMAL NEXT DAY INDICATED BUOYS HAD 

MOVED FURTHER BACK TOWARD TAIL. ANIMAL WAS 

USING ITS PECTORAL FLIPPERS FOR SWIMMING 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY PRIMARILY. ASSIGNED SERIOUS INJURY UNDER L2 DUE TO 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2017 1 28 (CALIFORNIA) LOS ANGELES CA SI CONSTRICTING NATURE OF GEAR REMAINING ON ANIMAL SI L2 1 Y Y 

A 65FT COASTAL CRUISER STRUCK A WHALE WHILE
 

TRANSITING BETWEEN NEWPORT HARBOR AND DANA
 

POINT HARBOR, 2 NM NW OF DANA POINT HARBOR.
 

INJURED GRAY WHALE IS REPORTED ALIVE AND APPEARS 

TO HAVE THE FOLLOWING INJURIES: 3 DEEP LACERATIONS
 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2017 1 29 VESSEL STRIKE ORANGE CA SI NEAR ITS PECTORAL FIN. LOTS OF BLOOD IN WATER. SI L6A 1 N Y
 

ENTANGLED WHALE HAD WOOD-LIKE FLOAT TRAILING 30 

YARDS BEHIND. WHALE BREACHING FOR 10-15 MIN 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY BEFORE MOVING ON WITH OTHER WHALES. NO PHOTOS, SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2017 2 12 INTERACTION SAN DIEGO CA SI (PRORATE) GEAR TYPE / CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. 

FREE-SWIMMING WHALE TOWING A SINGLE BUOY 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

APPROXIMATELY 10 FEET BEHIND ANIMAL. AMOUNT AND 

CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. ANIMAL 

RESIGHTED NEXT DAY, 15 NMI NW OF PREVIOUS DAY'S 

POSITION, STILL TRAILING BUOY, NOT RAISING FLUKES 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY ABOVE WATER DURING SEVERAL SURFACING CYCLES. SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2017 3 12 INTERACTION SAN DIEGO CA SI (PRORATE) VIDEO REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

WHALE SWIMMING WITH MASS OF BLUE ROPE, PINK
 

GILLNET, AND BLACK FLOATS AROUND FLUKES. CLOSE-UP
 

PHOTO SHOWS OPEN WOUND WHERE BLUE ROPE AND
 

FLOATS ARE ATTACHED. SERIOUS INJURY BECAUSE OPEN
 

WOUND HAS POTENTIAL TO BECOME NECROTIC. VIDEO 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2017 3 19 GILLNET FISHERY ORANGE CA SI AND PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. SI L2 1 Y Y
 

PINK MONOFILAMENT NETTING ON HEAD, EXTENDING 

BACK PAST BLOWHOLES AND DOWN LEFT SIDE OF ANIMAL 

TO WATERLINE. MONOFILAMENT NETTING WOUND ON 

ITSELF. WHALE IS RAISING ITS FLUKES DURING DIVE 

CYCLES. NO ENTANGLEMENT ON FLUKES OR TAILSTOCK 

VISIBLE. TOTAL AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2017 3 28 GILLNET FISHERY ORANGE CA SI (PRORATE) UNKNOWN. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. 

GRAY WHALE SWIMMING WITH LARGE METAL FRAME 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

AROUND HEAD, JUST POSTERIOR TO BLOWHOLES. FRAME 

IS FIRMLY ATTACHED TO WHALE AND IS CONSIDERED TO 

BE A SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO THE CONSTRICTING NATURE 

OF THE ENTANGLEMENT AND PROBABILITY OF 

PREVENTING THE WHALE FROM FEEDING PROPERLY. 

WHALE RESIGHTED 9 DAYS LATER AS IT MOVED NORTH 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2017 4 1 MARINE DEBRIS ORANGE CA SI ALONG THE COAST. PHOTOS / VIDEO REVIEWED BY J. SI L2 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

BLUE TWINE LINE ON TAIL WITH KELP, GILLNET WRAPPED 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

AROUND TAILSTOCK AND LEADING EDGE OF FLUKE; RIGHT 

TIP OF FLUKE BROKEN OFF AND POSSIBLE NECROTIC TAIL; 

INITIAL MEASUREMENTS ~6 INCH MESH SIZE. SWIMMING 

SLOWLY, MOSTLY WITH PECTORAL FLIPPERS, SURFACING 

HEAD 1ST AND NO FLUKE UP DIVING. WHALE 

DISENTANGLEMENT TEAM REMOVED OVER 100 FEET OF 

GILLNET. THERE IS STILL SOME WEBBING AND LINE 

REMAINING ON FLUKES. CONSIDERED SERIOUS INJURY 

DUE TO ORIGINAL AND POSSIBLY CONTINUING 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2017 4 15 GILLNET FISHERY ORANGE CA SI CONSTRICTING NATURE OF ENTANGLEMENT. SI L10 1 Y Y 

GRAY WHALE 

GRAY WHALE 

GRAY WHALE 

EASTERN N PACIFIC 

EASTERN N PACIFIC 

EASTERN N PACIFIC 

2017 

2017 

2017 

4 

4 

4 

16 

19 

21 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

LOS ANGELES 

SAN LUIS OBISPO 

ORANGE 

CA 

CA 

CA 

SI (PRORATE) 

SI (PRORATE) 

SI (PRORATE) 

ORANGE LINE WRAPPED AROUND CAUDAL PEDUNCLE. NO 

PHOTOS. UNKNOWN GEAR CONFIGURATION AND 

CALF OF PAIR ENTANGLED WITH YELLOW / ORANGE ROPE 

OVER BACK, THINNER WHITE LINE DRAPED OVER UPPER 

TAILSTOCK. GEAR AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION 

UNKNOWN. 

BLUE ROPE/GEAR TRAILING 5 FEET, SMALL "BLUE" BUOYS 

DESCRIBED; IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THIS WHALE IS SAME AS 

4/15 ENTANGLED IN GILLNET THAT WAS PARTIALLY 

REMOVED. VIDEO REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. GEAR 

CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT UNDETERMINED. 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

L10 

L10 

L10 

0.75 

0.75 

0.75 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

GRAY WHALE 

GRAY WHALE 

GRAY WHALE 

GRAY WHALE 

EASTERN N PACIFIC 

EASTERN N PACIFICPCFG 

EASTERN N PACIFIC 

EASTERN N PACIFIC 

2017 

2017 

2017 

2017 

4 

6 

6 

7 

28 

12 

15 

29 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHER

(WASHINGTON) 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

GILLNET FISHERY 

ILLEGAL HUNT 

Y 

PACIFIC 

GRAYS HARBOR 

LAKE AND 

PENINSULA 

BOROUGH 

BETHEL 

WA 

WA 

AK 

AK 

DEAD 

DEAD 

SI (PRORATE) 

DEAD 

GEAR FROM MULTIPLE POTS WRAPPED AROUND CAUDAL 

PEDUNCLE OF DEAD, FLOATING MALE CALF OF THAT YEAR 

(20 FEET IN LENGTH). FISHERY SOURCE BASED ON GEAR 

TAGS RETRIEVED FROM WHALE. NECROPSY DETERMINED 

ENTANGLEMENT AS CAUSE OF DEATH. 

UNHEALED SEVERE ENTANGLEMENT INJURIES ON 

TAILSTOCK AND FLUKE. DEEP CUTS FROM LINES ON EACH 

SIDE OF FLUKE INSERTION, WRAP INJURY WITH ABRAIDED 

TISSUE CUTTING DEEP INTO RIGHT FLUKE (2/3 TOWARD 

TIP). POSSIBLE IMPRESSIONS ACROSS HEAD. EVIDENCE OF 

CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT. 

ADF&G CHIGNIK AREA MANAGEMENT BIOLOGIST PASSED 

ALONG MULTIPLE REPORTS FROM PEOPLE AROUND 

CHIGNIK LAGOON REPORTING GRAY WHALE WITH 

FISHING LINE ENTANGLED AROUND TAIL. IT WAS 

SWIMMING BUT SLOWLY NEAR FISHING BOATS BY THE 

MOUTH OF THE LAGOON. ADDITIONAL DETAILS: 

REPORTED BY LOCAL FISHERMEN ON 6/14/17 IN CHIGNIK 

LAGOON. SMALL GRAY WHALE, POSSIBLY SUBADULT. 

GEAR DESCRIBED AS JAPANESE FISHING NET WITH BLACK 

FLOATS (SHE DOESN'T KNOW HOW THEY ID'D AS 

JAPANESE). NET WRAPPED AROUND FLUKE. ASSIGNED 

PRORATED SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO UNKNOWN AMOUNT 

KILLED AND HARVESTED BY LOCALS ON THE KUSKOWIM 

RIVER. 

DEAD 

DEAD 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

DEAD 

NA 

NA 

L10 

NA 

1 

1 

0.75 

1 

Y 

Y 

Y 

N 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

DEAD ANIMAL WITH ROPE, NETTING AND WIRE IN 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY MOUTH. GEAR CAME LOOSE FROM ANIMAL WHILE IT WAS 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2017 11 8 INTERACTION VENTURA CA DEAD ROLLING AROUND IN SURF. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

YELLOW ROPE ON TAIL AND TRAILING 100 FEET BEHIND 

WHALE; RESPONSE EFFORTS CONFIRMED 8 INCH PINK 

MONOFILAMENT GILLNET WRAPPED AROUND TAIL, 

INCLUDING MULTIPLE BLACK FLOATS, YELLOW AND BLACK 

ROPE. ANIMAL SWIMMING SLOWLY NORTH AND DIVING. 

INTERVENTION RESPONSE RESULTED IN THE CUTTING AND 

REMOVAL OF SOME GEAR. WHALE WAS LOST AFTER THIS 

INTERVENTION AND REMAINING GEAR AMOUNT AND SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2017 12 11 GILLNET FISHERY ORANGE CA SI (PRORATE) CONFIGURATION IS UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 1 29 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

LINE ENTANGLED AROUND THE BASE OF THE PEDUNCLE 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

AND OVER THE FLUKE. LINE APPEARS TO BE CUTTING INTO 

PEDUNCLE TISSUE. REPORTING PARTY NOTED THAT LINE 

HAD SOME TENSION AND MAY HAVE BEEN CARRYING 

SOME WEIGHT. ANIMAL BODY CONDITION LOOKED GOOD 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY FROM PHOTOGRAPHS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 2 21 INTERACTION ORANGE CA SI AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. SI L2 1 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

SINGLE ROUND (NOT OBLONG) RED / ORANGE BUOY 

TRAILED RELATIVELY CLOSE BEHIND WHALE. NO PHOTOS. SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 2 21 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. 

BLUE MESH GILLNET WRAPPED AROUND CAUDAL 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

PEDUNCLE OF SWIMMIMG WHALE, WITH 4 TO 5 SMALL, 

RED BULLET BUOYS ASSOCIATED. MESH SIZE DIFFICULT TO 

DETERMINE AS PHOTOS WERE TAKEN FROM OBSERVER SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 3 3 GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA SI (PRORATE) ON SHORE. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. 

NMFS RECEIVED CALLS TO REPORT THAT THE STARSHIP 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

EXPRESS HAD STRUCK WHAT THEY BELIEVED TO BE A GRAY 

WHALE MID CHANNEL ON THE WAY TO CATALINA. THE 

CAPTAIN SAID THAT THE WHALE SURFACED ABOUT 20 FT 

IN FRONT OF THE BOAT WHEN IT WAS TRAVELING AT 

APPROXIMATELY 25 KTS SO THERE WAS NO WAY TO STOP 

OR AVOID THE COLLISION. HE DID INDICATE THAT THERE 

WAS SOME DAMAGE TO THE BULBOUS BOW AND THAT 

HE BELIEVED THE WHALE WAS INJURED BUT ALIVE AFTER 

THE CONTACT. CATEGORIZED AS SERIOUS INJURY BASED 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 3 18 VESSEL STRIKE LOS ANGELES CA SI ON SIZE AND SPEED OF VESSEL. SI L6A 1 N Y 

ANIMAL EXAMINED ON BEACH BY SWFSC STRANDING 

PROGRAM. ORGANS PROTRUDING THROUGH 

LACERATION AT RIGHT DORSAL SIDE AT MID-LENGTH. 

FRACTURED VERTEBRAE AND BONE FRAGMENTS IN THIS 

REGION. UNKNOWN IF THIS VESSEL STRIKE REPRESENTS 

SAME ANIMAL STRUCK OFF CATALINA ISLAND ON 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 3 26 VESSEL STRIKE SAN DIEGO CA DEAD 3/18/2018. TREATED AS UNIQUE RECORD. 

OBSERVED FLOATING IN RICHARDSON BAY MARCH 28 

DEAD NA 1 N Y 

2018. FLUKES AND DISTAL PENDUNCLE MISSING. WITHIN 

A PORTION OF GRAY NECROTIC TISSUE IS A 6-INCH 

LENGTH OF WIRE WITH A COPPER CORE, DEEPLY 

ENTWINED WITH THE NECROTIC TISSUE. THIS REFLECTS 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 3 28 MARINE DEBRIS MARIN CA DEAD EVIDENCE OF A CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WHALE HAD BEEN SIGHTED ALIVE NINE DAYS PRIOR TO 

STRANDING RESPONSE. THE WHALE WAS ENTANGLED IN 

WASHINGTON DUNGENESS CRAB POT GEAR WHICH WAS 

IDENTIFIED BY TAG NUMBERS RECOVERED AT SCENE. 

BUOY AT LEFT MOUTH, LINE THROUGH MOUTH CIRCLING 

RIGHT FLIPPER ACROSS BACK TO LEFT PEDUNCLE (THIS IS 

THE CONFIGURATION FOUND WHEN THE ANIMAL 

STRANDED DEAD ONSHORE, LIKELY DIFFERENT WHEN THE 

ANIMAL WAS ALIVE). BRUISING AROUND PEDUNCLE 

WHICH MAY SUGGEST IT WAS ENTANGLED AT SOME 

POINT IN TIME. PHOTOS SHOW LINE THROUGH MOUTH 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 4 13 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

(WASHINGTON) PACIFIC WA SI 

AND A RED/BLACK STRIPE BUOY. CAUSE OF DEATH LISTED 

AS INANATION (=STARVATION). DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

ORANGE BUOY AND LINE ENTERING MOUTH LEFT SIDE 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

AND EXITING MOUTH RIGHT SIDE. THIS TRAILS TO A 

SECOND ORANGE BUOY WITH DARK GREEN AND WHITE 

STRIPES TO JUST IN FRONT OF THE FLUKES. ONE 10" 

ORANGE WITH WHITE AND GREEN STRIPED BULLET BUOY 

AND ANOTHER SOLID ORANGE BULLET BUOY ~ THE SAME 

SIZE AS THE OTHER. THEY ARE BOTH TRAILER BUOYS PART 

OF THE SURFACE SYSTEM OF A CRAB SET. LINE 3/8" 

POSSIBLY BLUE STEEL. GEAR AND VESSEL IDENTIFIED AS 

PART OF WASHINGTON COMMERCIAL DUNGENESS CRAB 

FISHERY. PERFORMED SEARCH ON 4/14/18 AND FOUND 

ENTANGLED GRAY WHALE JUST OFF THE CLINTON FERRY 

TERMINAL. TEAM SUCCESSFULLY ATTACHED A TELEMETRY 

BUOY AND COLLECTED UNDERWATER FOOTAGE TO 

DOCUMENT THE ENTANGLEMENT. THE TELEMETRY BUOY 

RECEIVED SEVERAL HITS WHILE TEAM WAS WITH THE 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY WHALE SO CONFIDENT TO RELOCATE THE FOLLOWING SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 4 13 (WASHINGTON) SNOHOMISH WA SI (PRORATE) DAY. ON 4/15/18 TEAM STARTED AT 8:30AM AND (PRORATE) L10 1 Y Y 

REPORTING PARTY INDICATED GILLNET ON THE HEAD AND 

DOWN ALONG THE BODY, WITH A MASS OF GILLNET ON 

OR NEAR THE TAIL. SINGLE PHOTO SHOWS MASS OF PINK 

MONOFILAMENT GILLNET EXTENDING FROM HEAD 

REGION TO DORSAL HUMP. AMOUNT AND 

CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. WHALE REPORTED SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 4 15 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI (PRORATE) SWIMMING TO THE NORTHWEST. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

GILLNET (PINK MESH, 1/2 GREEN ROPE, ~20 SMALL 

RED/ORANGE FLOATS) WRAPPED AROUND PEDUNCLE 

AND TRAILING OVER LEFT FLUKE LOBE. MOST OF THE 

GEAR IS BUNCHED UP IN A TIGHT BALL AROUND THE 

PEDUNCLE, CLOSE TO THE ANIMAL AND FAIRLY TIGHT 

AROUND PEDUNCLE. THERE IS ALSO SOME TRAILING GEAR 

(TANGLED UP MESH AND PROBABLY A LEAD LINE) 

TRAILING ABOUT ~20FT BEHIND WHALE. THE TRAILING 

GEAR IS ALWAYS BELOW THE SURFACE, BUT NOT 

ANCHORED OR DRAGGING ANYTHING TOO HEAVY. SO 

LIKELY THE TRAILING GEAR IS WEIGHTED SOMEHOW OR 

BEEN FOULED UP ALONG THE WAY. UNSUCCESSFUL 

TELEMETRY DEPLOYMENT; PRESUMED STILL ENTANGLED. 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 4 24 GILLNET FISHERY ORANGE CA SI AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. SI L2 1 Y Y 

NECROPSY RESULTS INDICATED A FRACTURED CRANIUM 

AND MUSCULAR AND SKELETAL HEMORRHAGING. 

CONSISTENT WITH BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 5 4 VESSEL STRIKE ALAMEDA CA DEAD CHARACTERISTIC OF A VESSEL STRIKE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PHOTOS FROM 5/6/2018 SHOWS A SINGLE ORANGE BUOY 

NEXT TO A HEAVILY-SCAVENGED GRAY WHALE CARCASS. 

BUOY NUMBER OBTAINED AND FISHERMAN 

INTERVIEWED. FISHERMAN INDICATED HIS GEAR WAS 

NOT TOUCHING WHALE AND FISHERMAN REMOVED GEAR 

FROM AREA AFTER SEEING PHOTOS OF WHALE. NO 

EXPLICIT PHOTO EVIDENCE THAT BUOY OR LINE IS 

ATTACHED TO CARCASS, HOWEVER, HARBOR PATROL 

WENT TO SAME EXACT LOCATION THE NEXT DAY AND 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY FOUND THE CARCASS UNMOVED, INDICATING IT WAS 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 5 6 (CALIFORNIA) SAN LUIS OBISPO CA DEAD ANCHORED BY SOMETHING. BUOY WAS NO LONGER 

ANCHORED WHALE WITH LINE WRAPPED AROUND THE 

DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

PEDUNCLE AND BOTH FLUKE BLADES WITH THREE FLOATS 

AND LINE TRAILING TO APPROXIMATELY 60’ BEHIND THE 

WHALE. DOCUMENTATION CONFIRMED NO OTHER BODY 

PARTS WERE INVOLVED. RESCUE TEAM WAS ABLE TO CUT 

MOST LINE AWAY BUT SEVERAL WRAPS REMAINED 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY AROUND NECROTIC TISSUE AT CAUDAL PEDUNCLE. THIS 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 5 8 (WASHINGTON) CLALLAM WA SI WHALE WAS FOUND DEAD STRANDED ON MAY 27TH. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

VISIBLE BLOOD FLOW. NO ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

SI 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

GRAY WHALE 

GRAY WHALE 

EASTERN N PACIFIC 

EASTERN N PACIFIC 

2018 

2018 

5 

5 

11 

17 

SALMON GILLNET FISHERY 

VESSEL STRIKE 

CORDOVA 

SANTA CRUZ 

AK 

CA 

SI (PRORATE) 

DEAD 

WHETHER ANIMAL REMAINED IN GEAR OR WAS 

PROPELLER WOUNDS PRESENT NEAR TAIL. NO 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS PROVIDED. 

(PRORATE) 

DEAD 

L10 

NA 

0.75 

1 

Y 

N 

Y 

Y 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 5 18 VESSEL STRIKE MARIN CA DEAD
 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 5 27 FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT PACIFIC WA DEAD 

PALE DISCOLORED BAND OF SKIN AROUND THE NECK 

APPROX. 20 CMS WIDE, THE BLUBBER BENEATH THIS 

DISCOLORED AREA HAS SMALL PATCHES OF 

HEMORRHAGE. THE LEFT AXILLA HAS A LACERATION 

AROUND THE FLIPPER BASE, WITH DISCOLORED MUSCLE 

AND EDEMA BENEATH IT. THE SKIN OF THE LEFT FLIPPER IS 

DRY AND MISSING IN MULTIPLE PLACES. THE LEFT 

COMMISSURE OF THE MOUTH HAS A PALE LINEAR MARK 

IN IT, AND IS COVERED IN LICE. THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE 

WHALE HAS TWO LONG PARALLEL LACERATIONS, ONE 

PENETRATES THE SCAPULA WHICH IS SHATTERED 

(MULTIPLE FRACTURES, COMMINUTED FRACTURES), THE 

OTHER IS THROUGH BLUBBER AND MUSCLE. THERE IS NO 

HEMORRHAGE OR DISCOLORATION OF BLUBBER OR 

MUSCLE ADJACENT TO THESE LACERATIONS. THERE ARE 

MULTIPLE LINEAR MARKS ON THE SKIN TYPICAL OF 

ABRASION BY A BRAIDED LINE. NECROPSY REPORT 

INDICATED THAT VESSEL STRIKE WAS PRIMARY CAUSE OF DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GREEN AND WHITE LINE WRAPPED TIGHTLY AROUND LEFT 

PECTORAL FLIPPER AND PASSES THROUGHT LEFT GAPE. 

EVIDENCE OF A WRAP AROUND THROAT (BLOATING 

LIKELY CAUSED ROPE TO SNAP--FRAYED ENDS VISIBLE). 

GREEN, ORANGE, AND WHITE LINES WRAPPED AROUND 

TAILSTOCK. FAINT IMPRESSIONS ACROSS VENTRAL LEFT 

FLUKE. TRAILING 2 CRAB POTS. ORIGINALLY SEEN WITH 2 

ORANGE BUOYS (WHILE FLOATING), ONE VISIBLE IN 

INITIAL PHOTOS OF THE BEACH LANDING, BUT HAD BEEN 

REMOVED BY UNKNOWN PERSONS PRIOR TO OUR DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

WHALE REPORTED TO HAVE AN ENTANGLEMENT LOCATED
 

ON THE CENTER OF THE BODY AND ON THE TAIL WHILE 

TRAILING TWO BUOYS AND "CRAB POT GEAR".
 

COMMERCIAL DUNGENESS CRAB GEAR WAS IDENTIFIED
 

BY THE ROUND YELLOW TAG ON ONE BUOY BUT THE
 

PHOTO QUALITY WAS POOR SO A NUMBER COULD NOT BE
 

READ TO GET A FISHERMAN ID. NO GEAR REMOVED.
 

EASTERN N PACIFIC- DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. SI 

GRAY WHALE PCFG 2018 6 6 (WASHINGTON) LINCOLN OR SI (PRORATE) ONE POOR-QUALITY PHOTO REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

EXTEMELY EMACIATED WHALE LIVE-STRANDED AND 

SUBSEQUENTLY DIED. LARGE AREA OF ABRASION 

(116X30CM) ON LEFT DORSAL AND ACROSS BACK, JUST
 

ANTERIOR TO HUMP, WITH MISSING SKIN AND NECROSIS 

AT MARGINS, VISIBLE BRUISING UNDER WIDEST POINT OF 

MISSING SKIN. ABRAIDED SKIN ON UPPER RIGHT SIDE AT
 

SAME LEVEL AS LARGER ABRASION. WHALE LICE ALL OVER
 

BODY, INCLUDING DORSAL SURFACE OF FLUKE (UNUSUAL--

SUSPECT UNABLE TO LIFT FLUKES PROPERLY). AT LEAST 4
 

SHATTERED VERTEBRAE AT SITE, APPROXIMATELY 1 

MONTH'S WORTH OF HEALING IN TISSUES. AREAS OF 

INTERNAL INFECTION AT TRAUMA SITE. SUSPECT ANIMAL
 

EASTERN N PACIFIC- HIT BY SHIP, WITH SUBSEQUENT INFECTION, EMACIATION
 

GRAY WHALE PCFG 2018 6 28 VESSEL STRIKE GRAYS HARBOR WA SI AND LIVE STRANDING. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

BOATER VIDEO OF A GRAY WHALE TRAILING A SINGLE 

BUOY, WHICH ONLY APPEARS AS WHALE IS DIVING. 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. SI 

GRAY WHALE EASTERN N PACIFIC 2018 7 9 FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT CURRY OR SI (PRORATE) VIDEO REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

A GRAY WHALE WAS STRUCK BY A 24 FT PRIVATE 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

RECREATIONAL CABIN CRUISER AT 2.4 KNOTS. THE BOAT 

WAS JOLTED BY THE IMPACT, AFTER WHICH THE WHALE 

SUBMERGED IMMEDIATELY. THE WHALE WAS SEEN 

RESURFACING WITHIN A MINUTE OF THE STRIKE, BUT 

EASTERN N PACIFIC- THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF INJURY TO THE ANIMAL. 

GRAY WHALE PCFG 2018 8 26 VESSEL STRIKE SITKA AK NSI THE VESSEL DID NOT INCUR ANY DAMAGE. NSI L6C 0 N N 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2015 5 11 SHOOTING MARIN CA DEAD 

XRAYS REVEALED 7 PIECES OF BUCKSHOT THROUGHOUT 

BODY, WITH ONE THAT APPEARS TO BE LODGED IN 

ANIMAL'S HEART. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2015 6 1 MARINE DEBRIS SANTA CRUZ CA DEAD GREEN TWINE ON RIGHT FRONT FLIPPER DEAD NA 1 N Y
 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2015 6 10 MARINE DEBRIS MARIN CA SI 

LETHARGIC ANIMAL WITH ABRASION AROUND NECK 

FROM OLD ENTANGLEMENT. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HEAVY COLONIZATION BY BARNACLES, LARGE NETTING 

ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK, EYES BULGING, HEAVILY 

DECOMPOSED INTESTINES, GAS-FILLED, IMMATURE 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2015 7 10 GILLNET FISHERY SANTA CRUZ CA DEAD SEXUAL ORGANS. CAUSE OF DEATH ENTANGLEMENT, 

HOOKED IN MOUTH (LOWER LEFT JAW) BY 18/0 OFFSET 

FLAT CIRCLE HOOK (DIAMETER NOT MEASURED). ANIMAL 

WAS STRUGGLING AS IT WAS BROUGHT ALONG VESSEL, 

DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

WHERE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, IT WAS SUCCESSFULLY 

DEHOOKED: NO GEAR LEFT ON ANIMAL. SOME BLEEDING 

OBSERVED, BUT JAW WAS INTACT. ANIMAL WAS SEEN 

PORPOISING AFTER RELEASE. THE HOOK WAS NOT BENT 

HAWAII LONGLINE SHALLOW AND NO TISSUE WAS LEFT ON THE HOOK. CAPTURE 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2015 12 28 SET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA NSI MYOPATHY EFFECTS SEEM UNLIKELY. NSI P5C 0 N N 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2016 4 22 MARINE DEBRIS MONTEREY CA SI 

EMACIATED, LETHARGIC, THICK SINGLE BRAIDED PLASTIC 

LINE/NETTING AROUND NECK. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2016 4 25 MARINE DEBRIS MONTEREY CA SI 

EMACIATED, ORANGE NYLON NETTING CUTTING INTO 

NECK AND WRAPPED LOOSELY AROUND UPPER BODY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EMACIATED, THICK BLACK ROPE WAS AROUND NECK BUT 

REMOVED BY MEMBER OF PUBLIC (FIRE DEPARTMENT?) 

PRIOR TO RESCUE TEAM ARRIVING. PUBLIC NETTED OUT 

OF THE WATER. TREATED AND RELEASED FROM REHAB 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2016 4 27 MARINE DEBRIS MARIN CA SI FACILITY. NSI P7B 0 N N 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2016 5 22 MARINE DEBRIS SAN LUIS OBISPO CA DEAD 

EMACIATED, DECOMPOSING CARCASS WITH 

ENTANGLEMENT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REPORTED FRESH DEAD FROM 'SHILOH BEACH'. EXAM 

BOTH INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL. SUSPECTED 

ENTANGLEMENT OR ENTRAPMENT. BASED ON CIRCULAR 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2016 5 27 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION NA WA DEAD 

LINEAR HEMORRHAGE AT HIND FLIPPER/ LOWER PELVIS 

AREA AS WELL AS BOTH FRONT FLIPPERS. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

TWO LOOPS OF ROPE NET FOUND AROUND THE NECK 

JUST ABOVE THE SHOULDERS. INTRUSION INTO MUSCLE 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2016 5 28 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION SAN MATEO CA DEAD 

ALMOST COMPLETE CIRCUMFERENTIALLY, EXCEPT FOR A 1 

INCH SECTION MIDLINE VENTRALLY DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

PUBLIC REPORTEDLY REMOVED AN ENTANGLEMENT 

FROM AN EMACIATED ANIMAL. TREATED AT REHAB 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2016 5 29 MARINE DEBRIS SONOMA CA SI FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

 MEMBER OF PUBLIC DISENTANGLED EMACIATED 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2016 5 29 MARINE DEBRIS MONTEREY CA SI ANIMAL. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P7B 0 N N 

EMACIATED, LARGE YELLOW ENTANGLEMENT AROUND 

LOWER NECK, SHOULDERS AND FLIPPERS. ANIMAL 

STRANDED WITH BLUE FLIPPER TAGS. UNCLEAR IF BLUE 

FLIPPER TAGS WERE FROM RESEARCH-RELATED ACTIVITY 

OR REPRESENT A PREVIOUSLY-STRANDED HUMANRELATED CASE. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND 

RELEASED WITH NEW ORANGE FLIPPER TAGS. TREATED AS 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2016 6 8 MARINE DEBRIS SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI SERIOUS INJURY BECAUSE PROBABLE RE-STRAND. SI P7B 1 N Y 

CARCASS COLLECTED, WITH ENTANGLEMENT, BUT ONLY 

SKULL AND BACULUM RETAINED. NO DETAILS ON TYPE OF 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2016 6 15 MARINE DEBRIS MENDOCINO CA DEAD ENTANGLEMENT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2017 6 9 MARINE DEBRIS CLATSOP OR DEAD HARD PLASTIC RING AROUND NECK. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

ANIMAL HAD ORANGE NETTING ENTANGLED AROUND 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY MOST OF BODY, BUT NOT CUTTING INTO TISSUE. TREATED 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2017 6 10 INTERACTION SAN MATEO CA SI AND RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P7B 0 Y N 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2017 6 10 MARINE DEBRIS SONOMA CA DEAD 

ENTANGLED ANIMAL FOUND, DETAILS ON NATURE OF 

ENTANGLEMENT LACKING. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2017 6 12 MARINE DEBRIS SAN MATEO CA DEAD ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN BALLOON RIBBON MATERIAL. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2017 6 19 MARINE DEBRIS MONTEREY CA SI 

EMACIATED ANIMAL FOUND WITH ENTANGLEMENT SCAR, 

DIED AT REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CARCASS FOUND WITH THICK DARK GREEN NETTING 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2017 6 28 MARINE DEBRIS SAN LUIS OBISPO CA DEAD 

ENTANGLED AROUND HEAD, CAUSING TWO DEEP 

LACERATIONS. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL HOOKED IN HEAD AND ACTIVELY STRUGGLING. 

HAWAII LONGLINE SHALLOW 

CREW PULLED ANIMAL TO WITHIN 10 FEET OF VESSEL, 

WHERE THE LINE WAS CUT. THE HOOK AND AT LEAST 5-10 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2017 11 1 SET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA SI FEET OF LEADER LEFT ON THE ANIMAL. SI P6 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL HOOKED IN MOUTH. GEAR PULLED FREE OF 

HAWAII LONGLINE SHALLOW ANIMAL AS IT WAS BEING PULLED TOWARD THE VESSEL. 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2017 11 17 SET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA NSI NO TISSUE LOCATED ON RETRIEVED HOOK. NSI P5C 0 N N 

ANIMAL HOOKED IN RIGHT FRONT FLIPPER. STRUGGLED 

AS IT WAS BEING PULLED TOWARDS VESSEL. LINE WAS 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2017 12 3 

HAWAII LONGLINE SHALLOW 

SET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA SI 

CUT, HOOK AND 20 FEET OF MONOFILAMENT REMAINED 

ON ANIMAL. SI P6 1 Y Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL ENTANGLED IN FISHING LINE. 

ANIMAL WAS RESCUED BY PMMC ON 5/23/18 IN 

NEWPORT BEACH AND TRANSFERRED TO SEA WORLD ON 

THE SAME DAY. REHABILITATED IN COORDINATION WITH 

NOAA FISHERIES. ANIMAL RELEASED WITH SPOT 6311A 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2018 5 23 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY ORANGE CA SI SATELLITE TRANSMITTER. NSI P6 0 N N 

LARGE GREEN NET ENTANGLEMENT AROUND HEAD AND 

NECK RESULTING IN LACERATION BY EARS. ANIMAL WAS 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2018 6 15 GILLNET FISHERY MARIN CA SI 

EMACIATED. NO DETAILS GIVEN ON RESCUE / REHAB 

EFFORTS. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

EMACIATED ANIMAL FOUND WITH LARGE AMOUNT OF 

GREEN NYLON NETTING AROUND NECK. NO DETAILS 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2018 6 16 GILLNET FISHERY SAN MATEO CA SI GIVEN ON RESCUE / REHAB EFFORTS. 

GILLNET FISHERY DISENTANGLEMENT BY THE PUBLIC. THIS 

SI P8A 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL WAS DISENTANGLED BY THE PUBLIC AND IT FLED 

THE BEACH SHORTLY AFTER. THE INCIDENT WAS FILMED 

AND UPLOADED TO THE FB PAGE OF THE WESTPORT 

CAMPGOUND AND RV. VIDEO LINK NOT AVAILABLE AT 

TIME OF SERIOUS INJURY ASSESSMENT. NO DETAILS ON 

SEVERITY OF ENTANGLEMENT, CONDITION OF ANIMAL, 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2018 7 23 GILLNET FISHERY MENDOCINO CA SI OR IF GEAR REMAINED ON ANIMAL. SI P6 1 Y Y 

GUADALUPE FUR SEAL MEXICO 2018 8 31 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION MONTEREY CA DEAD 

LINE ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK. CARCASS 

TRANSFERRED TO CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A DEAD HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND. A NECROPSY 

WASHINGTON INLAND UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY REVEALED IMPRESSIONS CONSISTENT WITH NET 

HARBOR PORPOISE WATERS 2014 1 3 INTERACTION JEFFERSON WA DEAD ENTANGLEMENT ON THE ANIMAL. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND DEAD WITH BLOODY 

EYES, LINE MARKS AND INDENTATIONS ALONG THE 

ANTERIOR EDGE OF THE FLIPPERS, CUTS AND 

INDENTATIONS ON THE FLUKE AND PEDUNCLE, 

HEMORRHAGING ON THE BODY AND ORGANS, FOAM IN 

LUNGS, AND OTHERWISE EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. 

THE REPORTING PARTY BELIEVES THIS EVENT TO BE A 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY FISHERY RELATED MORTALITY AND THE EVIDENCE 

HARBOR PORPOISE N OREGON-WA COAST 2014 5 16 INTERACTION CLATSOP OR DEAD SUPPORTS THIS CONCLUSION. THE SPECIFIC FISHERY IS DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

A HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND DEAD WITH A SERIES 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

OF PARALLEL MARKS ALONG ITS PEDUNCLE, BLOODY 

FOAM IN LUNGS, HEMORRHAGING THROUGHOUT BODY 

AND ORGANS, AND A BROKEN RIB. THE REPORTING PARTY 

BELIEVES THIS EVENT TO BE A FISHERIES RELATED 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY MORTALITY AND THE EVIDENCE SUPPORTS THIS 

HARBOR PORPOISE N OREGON-WA COAST 2014 5 16 INTERACTION CLATSOP OR DEAD CONCLUSION. THE SPECIFIC FISHERY IS UNKNOWN. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND DEAD WITH A SERIES 

OF PARALLEL CUTS ON ITS FLUKE. THE DORSAL FIN AND 

RIGHT FLIPPER WERE CUT OFF. THERE WAS TREMENDOUS 

HEMORRHAGING THROUGHOUT THE BODY AND HEAD. 

THE REPORTING PARTY BELIEVES THIS EVENT TO BE A 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY FISHERIES RELATED MORTALITY AND THE EVIDENCE 

HARBOR PORPOISE N OREGON-WA COAST 2014 5 19 INTERACTION PACIFIC WA DEAD SUPPORTS THIS CONCLUSION. THE SPECIFIC FISHERY IS DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SKULL HAS LARGE DEPRESSION FRACTURE WITH BONE 

LOSS OVER LEFT REAR OF SKULL. ALSO, DORSAL FIN, 

FLIPPERS, AND TAIL FLUKES APPEAR TO BE CUT OFF. VERY 

SAN FRANCISCO- NEAT EDGES TO ALL FLUKES, FINS, AND FLIPPERS. NET 

HARBOR PORPOISE RUSSIAN RIVER 2014 7 24 UNIDENTIFIED NET FISHERY SAN MATEO CA DEAD MARKS ON CARCASS. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND WITH MULTIPLE 

SEVERE PROPELLOR WOUNDS AND THE CAUDAL 

N CALIFORNIA-S PEDUNCLE WAS ALSO CUT OFF. THE PORPOISE WAS 

HARBOR PORPOISE OREGON 2014 8 28 VESSEL STRIKE COOS OR DEAD OTHERWISE IN GOOD BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON INLAND MONOFILAMENT IMPRESSIONS AROUND THE HEAD AND 

HARBOR PORPOISE WATERS 2014 9 21 UNIDENTIFIED NET FISHERY ISLAND WA DEAD ROSTRUM. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND DEAD WITH A SERIES 

OF SMALL, EVENLY SPACED SLASHES ON THE LEFT SIDE OF 

ITS DORSAL FIN. SMALL CUTS ON ITS RIGHT SIDE, ROPE 

INDENTATIONS AROUND THE PEDUNCLE AND 

HEMORRHAGING THROUGHOUT THE BODY. THE ANIMAL 

WAS IN EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. THE REPORTING 

PARTY BELIEVES THIS EVENT TO BE A FISHERIES RELATED 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY MORTALITY AND THE EVIDENCE SUPPORTS THIS 

HARBOR PORPOISE N OREGON-WA COAST 2014 11 5 INTERACTION PACIFIC WA DEAD CONCLUSION. THE SPECIFIC FISHERY IS UNKNOWN. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND DEAD WITH SIGNS 

THAT IT HAD BEEN ENTANGLED / ENTRAPPED BY FISHERY 

GEAR. THE CARCASS EXHIBITED INDENTATIONS AND 

ABRASIONS ON ITS FLUKE, HEMORRHAGE THROUGHOUT 

NORTHERN OREGON- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY THE BODY, AND EXTENSIVE BLOODY FOAM IN THE 

HARBOR PORPOISE WASHINGTON COAST 2015 4 2 INTERACTION CLATSOP OR DEAD MOUTH, TRACHEA, AND LUNGS. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND FRESHLY DEAD WITH 8 

WASHINGTON INLAND SUBSTANTIAL TRANSVERSE CUTS ON ITS DORSAL SIDE 

HARBOR PORPOISE WATERS 2015 5 13 VESSEL STRIKE SAN JUAN WA DEAD THAT APPEARED TO BE A PROPELLER INJURY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A SUBADULT FEMALE HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND 

DEAD. THE CARCASS EXHIBITED LINEAR MARKS ON THE 

VENTRAL PEDUNCLE AT THE FLUKE, HEMORRHAGE ON 

NORTHERN OREGON- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY BOTH SIDE OF THE HEAD AND UNDER THE JAW, AND 

HARBOR PORPOISE WASHINGTON COAST 2015 6 3 INTERACTION CLATSOP OR DEAD FOAM IN THE LUNGS. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR PORPOISE CARCASS WAS FOUND IN OCEAN 

PARK, WA. A NECROPY WAS CONDUCTED AND A 

SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF WHITE FOAM WAS PRESENT IN 

BRONCHI, THERE WERE RIB MARKS ON THE RIGHT LUNG 

AND LIVER, THERE WERE SEVERAL GOUGES ON THE 

NORTHERN OREGON- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY VENTRAL PEDUNCLE AND FLUKE, AND DAMAGE TO THE 

HARBOR PORPOISE WASHINGTON COAST 2015 7 27 INTERACTION PACIFIC WA DEAD PORPOISE'S EYES. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND DEAD. A NECROPSY 

IDENTIFIED BLOODY FOAM IN THE TRACHEA; 

NORTHERN OREGON- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY HEMORRHAGING IN THE HEAD, BODY, AND ORGANS; AND 

HARBOR PORPOISE WASHINGTON COAST 2015 8 2 INTERACTION PACIFIC WA DEAD INDENTATIONS ON THE DORSAL AND VENTRAL PEDUNCLE. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND DEAD AND IN GOOD 

BODY CONDITION WITH WHITE FOAM IN BOTH LUNGS, 

NORTHERN OREGON- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY RIB MARKS ON ITS INTERNAL ORGANS, AND ODD 

HARBOR PORPOISE WASHINGTON COAST 2015 8 19 INTERACTION CLATSOP OR DEAD INDENTATIONS ON THE DORSAL PEDUNCLE. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

FRESHLY-DEAD PORPOISE FOUND FLOATING IN HARBOR. 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

HARBOR PORPOISE MONTEREY 2015 8 26 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA DEAD FISHING LINE STUCK IN MOUTH. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

AN ADULT MALE HARBOR PORPOISE WAS DISCOVERED 

DEAD. IT APPEARED THAT THE ANIMAL DIED AS A RESULT 

OF A FISHERY INTERACTION (ENTANGLEMENT AND 

GAFFING). THE ANIMAL EXHIBITED MULTIPLE LINEAR 

IMPRESSIONS THAT TURNED INTO LACERATIONS AT THE 

MOUTH, ROSTRUM, FLUKE, DORSAL FIN, AND FLIPPER. 

THERE WERE THREE PUNCTURES ON THE ANIMAL'S LEFT 

SIDE, ONE OF WHICH TRACKED INTO THE BRAIN. 

NECROPSY SHOWED THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF DEATH 

WASHINGTON INLAND UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY APPEARED TO BE GAFFING. THERE WERE ACTIVE FISHERIES 

HARBOR PORPOISE WATERS 2015 10 14 INTERACTION KITSAP WA DEAD OCCURING AT THE TIME OF THIS STRANDING. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

AN ADULT FEMALE HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND DEAD 

WITH LINEAR LACERATIONS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HEAD. 

THERE WAS ALSO A CLEANLY CUT FILET REMOVED FROM 

THE ANIMAL AND THE RIGHT BACKSTRAP WAS ALSO 

REMOVED. THIS IS ONE OF THREE PORPOISE FOUND AT 

HARBOR PORPOISE 

WASHINGTON INLAND 

WATERS 2015 11 4 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION KITSAP WA DEAD 

THE SAME TIME AND LOCATION, ALL BELIEVED TO HAVE 

BEEN ENTANGLED IN FISHING GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

AN ADULT FEMALE HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND DEAD. 

THERE WERE LINEAR LACERATIONS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE 

HEAD AND DOWN BOTH SIDES OF ITS BODY, WITH MORE 

LACERATIONS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BODY. THERE 

WERE ALSO IMPRESSIONS, NICKS, AND CUTS ON THE 

FLUKE. THIS IS ONE OF THREE PORPOISE FOUND AT THE 

HARBOR PORPOISE 

WASHINGTON INLAND 

WATERS 2015 11 4 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION KITSAP WA DEAD 

SAME TIME AND LOCATION, ALL BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN 

ENTANGLED IN FISHING GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

AN ADULT FEMALE HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND DEAD, 

WITH LACERATIONS AND IMPRESSIONS ON BOTH SIDES OF 

ITS HEAD AND BODY. THERE WERE NICKS AND 

LACERATIONS ON BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FLIPPER. 

THIS IS ONE OF THREE PORPOISE FOUND AT THE SAME 

HARBOR PORPOISE 

WASHINGTON INLAND 

WATERS 2015 11 4 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION KITSAP WA DEAD 

TIME AND LOCATION, ALL BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN 

ENTANGLED IN FISHING GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HARBOR PORPOISE 

SAN FRANCISCORUSSIAN RIVER 2015 11 15 GILLNET FISHERY MARIN CA SI ENTANGLEMENT SCARS, DIED AFTER TRANSFER TO REHAB 

FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND STRANDED IN A STATE 

OF MODERATE DECOMPOSITION. THE PORPOISE 

NORTHERN OREGON - DISPLAYED EVENLY SPACED INDENTATIONS ON ITS FLUKE 

HARBOR PORPOISE WASHINGTON COAST 2016 2 16 UNIDENTIFIED NET FISHERY NA OR DEAD AND A SUBDERMAL HEMATOMA AT THE BASE OF THE DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND STRANDED AND IN A 

STATE OF MODERATE DECOMPOSITION. THE CARCASS 

DISPLAYED LONG KNIFE CUTS ON THE BODY AND THE 

DORSAL FIN WAS CUT OFF. THERE WAS HEMORARHAGE 

THROUGHOUT THE HEAD AND BODY, AND SUBSTANTIAL 

SUBSCAPULAR HEMATOMA. THE ANIMAL HAD A FISH 

NORTHERN OREGON - LODGED IN ITS THROAT AND WAS IN GOOD BODY 

HARBOR PORPOISE WASHINGTON COAST 2016 5 22 UNIDENTIFIED NET FISHERY NA OR DEAD CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR PORPOISE WAS DISCOVERED FRESH DEAD 

WITH TWO LINEAR MARKS ALONG THE DORSAL PEDUNCLE 

IN ADDITION TO OTHER POTENTIAL NET MARKS. A 

HARBOR PORPOISE 

NORTHERN OREGON -

WASHINGTON COAST 2016 7 3 UNIDENTIFIED NET FISHERY NA OR DEAD 

NECROPSY WAS CONDUCTED, AND THE PORPOISE WAS 

DETERMINED TO HAVE ASPHYXIATED ON FISH, LIKELY 

WHILE ENTANGLED IN FISHING GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR PORPOISE WAS DISCOVERED STRANDED, IN 

ADVANCED DECOMPOSITION. A FISH WAS LODGED IN THE 

NORTHERN OREGON -

ANIMAL'S THROAT, AND THE CARCASS DISPLAYED 

DISTINCTLY PATTERNED MARKS ON BODY, GASHES, AND 

EXTENSIVE HEMORRHAGE THROUGHOUT BODY. CARCASS 

HARBOR PORPOISE WASHINGTON COAST 2016 7 16 UNIDENTIFIED NET FISHERY NA OR DEAD WAS OTHERWISE IN GOOD BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

A HARBOR PORPOISE CALF WAS FOUND STRANDED AND 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

FRESHLY DEAD. THE ANIMAL DISPLAYED EVIDENCE OF NET 

ENTANGLEMENT, AND THERE WERE CLEAR LINE 

IMPRESSIONS AROUND THE ANIMAL'S HEAD, RIGHT 

WASHINGTON INLAND FLIPPER, AND LEADING AND TRAILING EDGES OF FLUKES. 

HARBOR PORPOISE WATERS 2016 10 31 GILLNET FISHERY NA WA DEAD GILLNET FISHING WAS NOTED TO BE OCCURRING IN THE DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

WASHINGTON INLAND A HARBOR PORPOISE WAS ENTANGLED AND KILLED IN A 

HARBOR PORPOISE WATERS 2016 11 7 GILLNET FISHERY NA WA DEAD GILLNET DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR PORPOISE WAS FOUND IN A STATE OF 

MODERATE DECOMPOSITION AND NECROPSIED. THE 

ANIMAL'S LEFT PECTORAL FIN WAS AMPUTATED. THERE 

HARBOR PORPOISE 

NORTHERN OREGON -

WASHINGTON COAST 2016 12 11 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION NA OR DEAD 

WAS ALSO TOOTH DAMAGE, FOAM IN THE TRACHEA, AND 

HEMORRHAGE THROUGOUT THE BODY. OTHERWISE, THE 

ANIMAL WAS IN EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HARBOR PORPOISE 

NORTHERN OREGON -

WASHINGTON COAST 2017 3 1 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION CLATSOP OR DEAD 

PARTS MISSING AND APPEARED CUT OFF (DORSAL FIN, 

FLIPPERS); MASSIVE HEMORRHAGE; DEEP PUNCTURES ON 

BODY; BROKEN RIBS; BLOODY FLUID IN THORACIC AND 

ABDOMINAL CAVITIES. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HARBOR PORPOISE 

NORTHERN OREGON -

WASHINGTON COAST 2017 4 28 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION PACIFIC WA DEAD 

FOAM IN LUNGS; HEAVY HEMORRHAGE; BLOODY FLUID IN 

THORACIC CAVITY; TEETH MISSING; LARGE FISH IN 

THROAT AS WELL AS ONE IN STOMACH; POSSIBLE 

ASPHYXIATION AS WELL AS FISHERIES INTERACTION. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HARBOR PORPOISE 

HARBOR PORPOISE 

NORTHERN OREGON -

WASHINGTON COAST 

NORTHERN OREGON -

WASHINGTON COAST 

2017 

2017 

4 

5 

29 

3 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

PACIFIC 

PACIFIC 

WA 

WA 

DEAD 

DEAD 

HEAVY HEMORRHAGE; BROKEN JAW; LINE MARKS ON 

STOCK/TAIL; THE ANIMAL HAD GOOD BODY CONDITION. 

HEAVY TRAUMA/HEMORRHAGE AROUND HEAD AND 

THORAX; CUTS ON BODY; THE PORPOISE HAD EXCELLENT 

BODY CONDITION. 

DEAD 

DEAD 

NA 

NA 

1 

1 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

FLUKE CUT OFF; TEETH MISSING; LINEAR MARKS FROM 

THORAX TO HEAD; HEMORRHAGE; FOAM IN TRACHEA; 

FETUS HAD SUBSTANTIAL HEMORRHAGE AND BLOODY 

HARBOR PORPOISE 

NORTHERN OREGON -

WASHINGTON COAST 2017 5 4 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION PACIFIC WA DEAD 

FLUID IN THORAX AND ABDOMINAL CAVITIES; GOOD 

BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HARBOR PORPOISE 

NORTHERN OREGON -

WASHINGTON COAST 2017 5 18 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION PACIFIC WA DEAD 

SUSPICIOUS, DEEP 3.5 CM DIA. HOLE IN PEDUNCLE (FROM 

GAFF?); FLUKES COMPLETELY GONE; 

DAMAGE/INDENTATIONS IN BONE ALONG JAW EDGES; 

HEMORRHAGE IN JAW BONES; PORPOISE VERY 

DECOMPOSED AND SCAVENGED. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HARBOR PORPOISE 

NORTHERN OREGON -

WASHINGTON COAST 2017 5 22 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION PACIFIC WA DEAD 

LEFT FLUKE AND FLIPPER CUT OFF; HEMORRHAGE IN 

BODY; TOOTH INDENTATIONS FROM UPPER JAW ALONG 

GUMS IN LOWER JAW; THE PORPOISE HAD EXCELLENT 

BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HARBOR PORPOISE 

NORTHERN OREGON -

WASHINGTON COAST 2017 6 9 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION PACIFIC WA DEAD 

HEMORRHAGE, HEMATOMAS, LINE MARKS, SLASHES, AND 

TOOTH DAMAGE DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

LINEAR LACERATION AROUND TOP OF JAW AND 

MATCHING LACERATION RIGHT SIDE LOWER JAW. LINEAR 

WASHINGTON INLAND UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY LACERATION ON BOTH PECTORAL FINS AS WELL AS 

HARBOR PORPOISE WATERS 2017 8 30 INTERACTION PIERCE WA DEAD LACERATION FLUKE AND ONE AT BASE OF DORSAL FIN. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

LINEAR LACERATIONS AND IMPRESSION AROUND HEAD 

WASHINGTON INLAND THROUGH UPPER JAW AT GAPE AND AROUND RIGHT 

HARBOR PORPOISE WATERS 2017 10 28 GILLNET FISHERY KITSAP WA DEAD PECTORAL FIN. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MONOFILAMENT LINE MARKINGS ON ROSTRUM, LINE 

WRAPS AROUND RIGHT PECTORAL FLIPPER AND DORSAL 

FIN (CUT INTO MID-TRAILING EDGE OF DORSAL FIN 

APPROX 1.5 INCHES LONG, PARALLEL TO BODY, WITH 

CORRESPONDING WRAP MARK ON LEADING EDGE OF 

HARBOR PORPOISE 

WASHINGTON INLAND 

WATERS 2017 10 30 GILLNET FISHERY KING WA DEAD 

FIN). LINE WRAP IMPRESSIONS ON BOTH SIDES OF FLUKE 

WITH ABRASIONS ALONG TRAILING EDGES. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MANDIBLE HAD BEEN ENTANGLED BY AN UNKNOWN 

OBJECT. THE OBJECT WAS ABSENT AT THE TIME OF 

HARBOR PORPOISE 

SAN FRANCISCORUSSIAN RIVER 2018 4 11 GILLNET FISHERY ALAMEDA CA DEAD 

EXAMINATION, BUT THE ENTANGLEMENT CAUSED SEVERE 

DAMAGE, INCLUDING THE LOSS OF SEVERAL TEETH AND A 

FRACTURE OF THE RIGHT HEMI MANDIBLE. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

THE PORPOISE HAD GOOD EXTERNAL BODY CONDITION 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

AND HAD NUMEROUS MARKS ON BODY SUGGESTING 

FISHERY INTERACTION AND HEMORRHAGING ON BODY. 

HARBOR PORPOISE N OREGON-WA COAST 2018 5 14 GILLNET FISHERY CLATSOP OR DEAD FOAM IN LUNGS. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

DEEP GASHES AND PUNCTURE WOUNDS. ANIMAL HAD 

ROPE MARKS AND CUTS ON TAIL STOCK AND 

HARBOR PORPOISE N OREGON-WA COAST 2018 7 24 GILLNET FISHERY CLATSOP OR DEAD HEMORRHAGE FROM HEAD TO ABDOMEN ON RIGHT SIDE. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

TAIL STOCK CUT OFF; HEMORRHAGE THROUGHOUT 

HARBOR PORPOISE N OREGON-WA COAST 2018 8 6 GILLNET FISHERY PACIFIC WA DEAD ANIMAL OTHERWISE THE PORPOISE HAD GOOD BODY DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

EVIDENCE OF FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT. 15CM 

LACERATION PENETRATES FULL BLUBBER AND GOES INTO 

MUSCLE AND CAN FEEL RIBS BROKEN. MULTIPLE 

IMPRESSIONS AND LACERATION ACROSS ROSTRUM AND 

LOWER JAW; CRISS-CROSSES TO OTHER SIDE; ABRASIONS 

ON SNOUT; ~2CM SMALL CHUNK OUT OF THE LEFT FORE 

FLIPPER, LACERATION; IMPRESSIONS AROUND RIGHT 

FORE FLIPPER; IMPRESSION ON LEADING EDGE OF DORSAL 

FIN. EVIDENCE OF FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT: SEVERAL 

IMPRESSIONS AND LACERATIONS ON FIN, FLIPPERS, 

ROSTRUM, FLUKE. 15CM LACERATION ON RIGHT BODY 

CONSISTENT WITH SLICING. ALL COMMERCIAL FISHING 

WASHINGTON INLAND CLOSED IN THE AREA AROUND THE TIME OF STRANDING. 

HARBOR PORPOISE WATERS 2018 10 21 GILLNET FISHERY KITSAP WA DEAD HOWEVER, THERE WAS TRIBAL FISHING IN THE AREA DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

LINEAR IMPRESSIONS ON DORSAL FIN, ROSTRUM, AND 

WASHINGTON INLAND LOWER JAW. ACTIVE FISHING IN AREA. CARCASS 

HARBOR PORPOISE WATERS 2018 10 24 GILLNET FISHERY KITSAP WA DEAD CONDITION WAS ROBUST, IMPLYING ACUTE DEATH DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 1 26 INTERACTION HUMBOLDT CA DEAD HARBOR SEAL CARCASS WITH HEAD CUT OFF DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

NEONATE WITH UMBILICUS ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 3 2 HARASSMENT SAN DIEGO CA SI ROOKERY BY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC SI P14 1 N Y 

OREGON- A HARBOR SEAL WAS CAUGHT AND KILLED IN A RESEARCH 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2014 4 2 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CLATSOP OR DEAD GILLNET. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

NEONATE WITH UMBILICUS ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 4 4 HARASSMENT MONTEREY CA SI ROOKERY BY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC SI P14 1 N Y 

NEONATE WITH UMBILICUS ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 4 7 HARASSMENT MARIN CA SI ROOKERY BY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC SI P14 1 N Y 

A SUBADULT HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD WITH A 

OREGON- GUNSHOT WOUND. A BULLET FRAGMENT WAS FOUND IN 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2014 4 8 SHOOTING LANE OR DEAD THE ANIMAL'S NECK. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

NEONATE WITH UMBILICUS ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 4 15 HARASSMENT MONTEREY CA SI ROOKERY BY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC SI P14 1 N Y 

NEONATE WITH UMBILICUS ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 4 19 HARASSMENT MARIN CA SI ROOKERY BY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC SI P14 1 N Y 

NEONATE WITH UMBILICUS ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 4 25 HARASSMENT SAN MATEO CA SI ROOKERY BY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC SI P14 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

HARBOR SEAL 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2014 4 25 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION WHATCOM WA DEAD 

A MUMMIFIED / SKELETONIZED HARBOR SEAL WAS 

FOUND ENTANGLED IN DERELICT GILLNET GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD WITH BULLET HOLES 

OREGON- IN ITS BODY AND EXTENSIVE HEMORRHAGING. A 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2014 5 3 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD NECROPSY WAS CONDUCTED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD WITH BULLET HOLES 

IN ITS BODY AND EXTENSIVE HEMORRHAGING. A 

OREGON- NECROPSY WAS CONDUCTED AND A PELLET WAS 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2014 5 14 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD COLLECTED FROM A BULLET WOUNDS. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND A HARBOR SEAL WAS REPORTED TO BE ENTANGLED IN 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2014 5 14 MARINE DEBRIS SAN JUAN WA SI WHAT APPEARS TO BE A PACKING BAND. SI P8A 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON A HARBOR SEAL WAS REPORTED TO BE ENTANGLED IN 

HARBOR SEAL 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2014 5 23 MARINE DEBRIS SAN JUAN WA SI 

ORANGE / RED THICK ROPE WRAPPED AROUND THE NECK 

TO THE MIDDLE OF THE ANIMAL'S BACK. SI P8A 1 N Y 
 

 

 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

 LARGE BLUE ROPE AROUND THE ANIMAL'S NECK. LOOKS 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

LIKE A SLIP KNOT. ABOUT 3 FEET OF TRAILING ROPE AFTER 

THE LOOP AROUND ITS NECK. NO LONG TERM MARKINGS 

OF ROPE ON THE ANIMAL, SUCH AS A PINK RING OF 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY FLESH. THE FUR IS STILL INTACT AND LOOKS ONLY A LITTLE 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 5 26 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA DEAD IRRITATED. ROPE AROUND NECK EXTERNAL EXAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 5 30 DOG ATTACK HUMBOLDT CA SI UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH DOG BITES SI P9 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 6 2 DOG ATTACK HUMBOLDT CA SI UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH DOG BITES SI P9 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2014 6 12 HARASSMENT PIERCE WA SI 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS ILLEGALLY PICKED UP AND 

REMOVED FROM THE BEACH FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD 

OF TIME. THE ANIMAL WAS RETURNED TO THE BEACH, 

BUT FOUND DEAD LATER THAT DAY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

HARBOR SEAL 

HARBOR SEAL 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 

CALIFORNIA 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 

2014 

2014 

2014 

6 

6 

7 

23 

26 

3 

HARASSMENT 

HOOK AND LINE FISHERY 

HARASSMENT 

WHATCOM 

SAN DIEGO 

JEFFERSON 

WA 

CA 

WA 

SI 

SI 

SI 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS REPORTED TO BE HARRASSED 

BY BOATERS, KIDS, AND DOGS. THE ANIMAL EVENTUALLY 

DIED. 

BODY CONDITION WAS GOOD. MONOFILAMENT LINE 

WRAPPED AROUND NECK, IT WAS LOOSE SO NOT TOO 

DEEP. (1/8") BUT APPEARED TO RUB AND MAKE A WIDER 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS REPEATEDLY HAULING OUT IN 

AREAS WITH HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF PEOPLE OVER 

SEVERAL DAYS AND WAS ILLEGALLY PICKED UP. THE PUP 

WAS RELOCATED TO A REMOTE BEACH. 

DEAD 

SI 

SI 

NA 

P8A 

P14 

1 

1 

1 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

Y 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS REPORTED TO BE HAULED OUT 

IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA. A TRAINED RESPONDER 

WASHINGTON ATTEMPTED TO RELOCATE THE ANIMAL, BUT WAS 

NORTHERN INLAND HARRASSED BY PROPERTY OWNERS. THE PUP WOUND UP 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2014 7 6 HARASSMENT JEFFERSON WA NSI BEING LEFT IN PLACE. NSI P9 0 N N 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS HARRASSED WHILE HAULED 

OUT - A WOMAN MOVED IT AND ATTEMPTED TO FEED IT, 

DOGS WERE IN THE AREA AND INTERACTING WITH THE 

PUP. ACCORDING TO REPORTING PARTIES THE PUP HAD 

BEEN UNATTENDED FOR 4 DAYS. A TRAINED REPONDER 

REMOVED THE SEAL FROM THE BEACH AND TO A 

HARBOR SEAL HOOD CANAL 2014 7 9 HARASSMENT JEFFERSON WA SI REHABILITATION FACILITY. THE SEAL WAS REHABILITATED NSI P9 0 N N 

WASHINGTON A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS PET, FED, AND HARRASSED BY 

NORTHERN INLAND THE PUBLIC. AS A RESULT, THE ANIMAL WAS SENT TO A 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2014 7 11 HARASSMENT SAN JUAN WA SI REHAB FACILITY, BUT DIED AT THE FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

OVER A PERIOD OF DAYS A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS PET 

AND HARRASSED BY THE PUBLIC. PEOPLE ALSO 

WASHINGTON ATTEMPTED TO FEED THE PUP POTATO CHIPS. THE PUP 

NORTHERN INLAND DIED SHORTLY AFTER TRAINED RESPONDERS ATTEMPTED 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2014 7 13 HARASSMENT SAN JUAN WA SI TO ASSIST THE PUP. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS REPORTEDLY WET WITH A HOSE 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2014 7 16 HARASSMENT SKAGIT WA NSI WHILE HAULED OUT ON A PRIVATE BEACH. NSI P9 0 N N 

WASHINGTON A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS REPORTED TO BE HARRASSED 

NORTHERN INLAND BY PEOPLE AND DOGS WHILE IT WAS HAULED OUT ON A 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2014 7 17 HARASSMENT WHATCOM WA NSI BEACH. NSI P9 0 N N 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS ILLEGALLY PICKED UP AND FED 

SOUTHERN PUGET BY A HUMAN OVER A PERIOD OF SEVERAL DAYS. THE 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2014 7 22 HARASSMENT PIERCE WA SI ANIMAL EVENTUALLY DIED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS HARRASSED BY PEOPLE AND 

WASHINGTON DOGS. PEOPLE WERE TOUCHING, FEEDING, AND PETTING 

NORTHERN INLAND THE SEAL. LEVEL-A INDICATES THE ANIMAL WAS 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2014 7 22 HARASSMENT WHATCOM WA SI REHABILITATED AT WOLF HOLLOW AND THEN RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS REPORTEDLY HARRASSED BY 

DOGS AND PEOPLE. PEOPLE WERE TOUCHING, FEEDING, 

WASHINGTON AND PETTING IT. THE LEVEL-A INDICATES THE PUP WAS 

NORTHERN INLAND ABANDONED AND INJURED. THE PUP WAS SENT TO WOLF 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2014 7 23 HARASSMENT WHATCOM WA SI HOLLOW FOR REHABILITATION BUT DIED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SOUTHERN PUGET A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS REPORTED TO BE ILLEGALLY 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2014 7 25 HARASSMENT PIERCE WA NSI PICKED UP. NSI P9 0 N N 
 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS REPORTED TO BE IN DISTRESS 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

OVER SEVERAL DAY PERIOD BY A PROPERTY OWNER. 

WHEN TRAINED RESPONDERS ARRIVED TO RELOCATE THE 

PUP THEY FOUND IT SUCKLING ON THE THE PROPERTY 

OWNER'S LEG. THE SEAL WAS RELOCATED, BUT THEN 

RETURNED ON ITS OWN TO ITS ORIGINAL LOCATION. THE 

HARBOR SEAL HOOD CANAL 2014 8 8 HARASSMENT KITSAP WA SI PUP WAS THEN SENT TO TO BE REHABILITATED AND WAS NSI P9 0 N N 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS FOUND DEAD. GILLNET FISHING 

WAS REPORTED IN THE AREA AT THE TIME. THE ANIMAL 

EXHIBITED BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA AROUND ITS HEAD 

WASHINGTON AND A LINEAR IMPRESSION AROUND ITS NECK. THE 

NORTHERN INLAND UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY REPORTING PARTY, A HIGH QUALITY SOURCE OF 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2014 8 19 INTERACTION KITSAP WA DEAD INFORMATION, SUSPECTED THE MORTALITY WAS DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS FOUND DEAD. THE ANIMAL 

EXHIBITED LINEAR IMPRESSIONS AROUND NECK AND ON 

WASHINGTON EYES. THE REPORTING PARTY, A HIGH QUALITY SOURCE 

NORTHERN INLAND UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY OF INFORMATION, SUSPECTED THE MORTALITY WAS 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2014 8 19 INTERACTION KITSAP WA DEAD FISHERIES RELATED. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD WITH BULLET HOLES 

OREGON- IN ITS BODY, A FRACTURED SKULL, AND OTHER SEVERE 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2014 8 26 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD TRAUMA. A FIELD NECROPSY WAS PERFORMED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD AT A BOAT RAMP. THE 

ANIMAL EXHIBITED SLICE WOUNDS ON THE VENTRAL SIDE 

OF ITS NECK AND LESIONS AND PENETRATING WOUNDS 

WASHINGTON CONSISTENT WITH NET INJURIES. A NECROPSY INDICATED 

HARBOR SEAL 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2014 8 26 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION PIERCE WA DEAD 

SIGNS OF SLICING / MUTILATION AND SUSPECTED NET 

IMPRESSIONS ON THE HEAD. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS REPORTED TO BE ENTANGLED IN A 

NET. AT LOW TIDE THE REPORTING PARTY RETURNED AND 

THE NET WAS EXPOSED. THEY FOUND THE SEAL 

WASHINGTON DISENTANGLED, MUDDY, AND LAYING ON THE NET. IT 

NORTHERN INLAND UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY HAD BEEN STABBED 5 TIMES IN THE CHEST AND WAS 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2014 9 3 INTERACTION KITSAP WA SI SURROUNDED BY A POOL OF FRESH BLOOD. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

OREGONHARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2014 9 9 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH LINCOLN OR DEAD CAPTURE MYOPATHY RELATED TO RESEARCH ACTIVITIES. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS FOUND DEAD, IN A 

NEIGHBORHOOD SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS FROM THE 

WATER, WITH BULLET HOLES IN ITS BODY AND EVIDENCE 

WASHINGTON OF RECENT BLOOD LOSS. THE REPORTING PARTY BELIEVES 

NORTHERN INLAND THIS IS A FISHERIES RELATED MORTALITY. NO NECROPSY 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2014 9 10 SHOOTING CLALLAM WA DEAD WAS CONDUCTED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMALS APPEARS ALERT, HYDDRATED AND IN OVERALL 

GOOD BODY CONDITION. FIRST SPOTTED BY THE PUBLIC 

ON MAY 18TH 2014. AUGUST 21 WAS REPORTED BY 

PUBLIC THAT THE FISHING LINE BROKE BUT WAS UNABLE 

TO SEE IF IT WAS EMBEDDED. WE FIRST GOT EYES ON IT 

9/18/14. MADE A RESCUE ATTEMPT BUT NOT 

SUCCESSFUL. 2ND ATTEMPT WAS 9/19- HAD BEEN 

MONITORING ANIMAL FOR ABOUT 3 WEEKS. RESCUED 

DUE TO SUSUPECTED HUMAN INERACTION. APPEARANCE 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 9 20 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI OF POSSIBLE ENTANGLEMENT AROUND THE ANIMALS NSI P7B 0 N N 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS FOUND DEAD WITH BULLET 

OREGON- HOLES AND HEAVY HEMORRHAGING. A NECROPSY WAS 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2014 9 20 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD CONDUCTED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD IN DERELICT GILLNET 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2014 9 29 INTERACTION CLALLAM WA DEAD GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SINGLE PIECE OF MONOFILAMENT LINE AROUND THE 

NECK,STARTED CUTTING INTO THE ANIMAL ON THE RIGHT 

SIDE AND UNDERNEATH. LACERATION WAS 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 10 17 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI APPROXIAMTELY 1/2" WIDE AND 1/2" DEEP SI P8A 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD AND REPORTED TO BE 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

SHOT. THE ANIMAL SHOWED SIGNS OF TRAUMA, 

OREGON- HEMORRHAGING, AND SKULL DAMAGE. A NECROPSY WAS 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2014 11 25 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD CONDUCTED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD WITH A TRACKING 

OREGON- BULLET WOUND TO ITS HEAD. THE REPORTING PARTY 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2014 12 2 SHOOTING CLALLAM WA DEAD BELIEVES THIS WAS A FISHERIES-RELATED MORTALITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD WITH REPORTED 

BULLET HOLES AND ASSOCIATED HEMORRHAGE IN ITS 

HARBOR SEAL 

OREGONWASHINGTON COAST 2015 1 20 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD BODY, NECK, AND POSTERIOR SKULL AND FRACTURED 

CERVICAL VERTEBRAE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

NEONATE WITH UMBILICUS ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM 

THE WILD BY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC. TREATED IN REHAB 

FACILITY AND RELEASED. CONSIDERED SERIOUS INJURY 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 2 5 HARASSMENT SAN DIEGO CA SI BECAUSE ANIMAL WAS A DEPENDENT PUP. SI P14 1 N Y 

NEONATE WITH UMBILICUS ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM 

THE WILD BY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC. TREATED AND 

RELEASED FROM REHAB. DEPENDENT PUP AND 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 2 13 HARASSMENT SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI MATERNAL SEPARATION = SERIOUS INJURY. SI P14 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT PUP WITH UMBILLICUS AND TAR SPOTS 

OVER DORSUM AND FLIPPERS. TREATED IN REHAB AND 

RELEASED. DEPENDENT PUP AND MATERNAL 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 2 19 OIL / TAR MONTEREY CA SI SEPARATION = SERIOUS INJURY. 

NEONATE WITH UMBILICUS ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM 

SI P14 1 N Y 

THE WILD BY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC. EUTHANIZED IN 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 2 20 HARASSMENT MARIN CA SI REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A SUBADULT FEMALE HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD. 

HARBOR SEAL 

OREGONWASHINGTON COAST 2015 2 21 SHOOTING GRAYS HARBOR WA DEAD 

THE ANIMAL HAD SUSTAINED A PENETRATING INJURY, 

WITH CORRESPONDING ENTRANCE AND EXIT WOUNDS, 

AND THE SKULL WAS SHATTERED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A FRESHLY DEAD ADULT HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND IN 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

PORT ANGELES. THERE WERE TWO HOLES, ONE ON EITHER 

SIDE OF THE HEAD JUST POSTERIOR FROM THE EYE 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2015 3 5 SHOOTING CLALLAM WA DEAD SOCKETS. THE REPORTING PARTY BELIEVED THE ANIMAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD IN A STATE OF 

MODERATE DECOMPOSITION IN DERELICT GILLNET THAT 

WASHINGTON WAS STRETCHED BETWEEN TWO PINNACLES NEAR SARES 

NORTHERN INLAND HEAD. THE NET APEARED TO BE NEW AND WAS THOUGHT 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2015 3 6 GILLNET FISHERY SKAGIT WA DEAD TO BE LOST IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

NEONATE WITH UMBILICUS ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM 

THE WILD BY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC. TREATED AND 

RELEASED FROM REHAB. DEPENDENT PUP AND 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 3 21 HARASSMENT ORANGE CA SI MATERNAL SEPARATION = SERIOUS INJURY. SI P14 1 N Y 

NEONATE WITH UMBILICUS ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM 

THE WILD BY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC. EUTHANIZED IN 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 3 26 HARASSMENT SONOMA CA SI REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

NEONATE WITH UMBILICUS ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM 

THE WILD BY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC. TREATED AND 

RELEASED FROM REHAB. DEPENDENT PUP AND 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 4 17 HARASSMENT MENDOCINO CA SI MATERNAL SEPARATION = SERIOUS INJURY. SI P14 1 N Y 

A SUBADULT MALE HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD. 

THERE WAS TREMENDOUS HEMORRHAGING 

OREGON- THROUGHOUT THE HEAD AND BODY. AT LEAST ONE 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2015 4 21 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD PROJECTILE WAS FOUND IN THE SKULL. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

AN ADULT FEMALE HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD. 

THERE WAS HEMORRHAGING REPORTED THROUGHOUT 

THE BODY AND A BLOOD FILLED ABDONMINAL CAVITY. 

OREGON- THE ANIMAL WAS IN EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2015 4 24 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD PROJECTILES WERE RECOVERED FROM THE SKULL AND DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH ABDOMINAL PUNCTURE 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 4 29 INTERACTION LOS ANGELES CA SI WOUND TREATED IN REHAB AND RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

UNDERWEIGHT PUP WITH TAR ON FACE. TREATED IN 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

HARBOR SEAL 

HARBOR SEAL 

CALIFORNIA 

CALIFORNIA 

2015 

2015 

5 

5 

4 

23 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

MONTEREY 

SAN LUIS OBISPO 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. 

UNDERWEIGHT PUP WITH TAR ON FACE. TREATED IN 

REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. 

SI 

SI 

P9 

P9 

1 

1 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

OREGON- A HARBOR SEAL THAT INGESTED TROLL FISHERY GEAR 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2015 6 3 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LINCOLN WA SI WAS OBSERVED WITH A FLASHER HANGING FROM ITS SI P2 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

HARBOR SEAL 

HARBOR SEAL 

HARBOR SEAL 

CALIFORNIA 

CALIFORNIA 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 

CALIFORNIA 

2015 

2015 

2015 

2015 

6 

6 

6 

6 

4 

6 

7 

12 

DOG ATTACK 

OIL / TAR 

HARASSMENT 

VESSEL STRIKE 

SONOMA 

LOS ANGELES 

WHATCOM 

MARIN 

CA 

CA 

WA 

CA 

DEAD 

SI 

SI 

SI 

OFF LEASH DOG ATTACKED AND KILLED SEAL. 

ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF MANHATTAN BEACH TAR 

INCIDENT. 51-75% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN ON NECK, 

SHOULDERS, MOST OF DORSAL SIDE, SMALL PATCHES ON 

VENTRAL SIDE. IN ADDITION TO STANDARD SEAWORLD 

NECROPSY SAMPLES TAKEN, OILED WILDLIFE CARE 

NETWORK NECROPSY SAMPLE COLLECTING PROTOCOLS 

WERE FOLLOWED. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB. 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS HANDLED, PICKED UP, AND 

RELOCATED BY THE PUBLIC. THE PUP WAS REHABILITATED 

AND RELEASED ON SAN JUAN ISLAND ON AUGUST 29. 

HIT BY BOAT, CUT ON NECK. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. 

DEAD 

DEAD 

NSI 

DEAD 

NA 

NA 

P9 

NA 

1 

1 

0 

1 

N 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

N 

Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

HARBOR SEAL 

HARBOR SEAL 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 

OREGONWASHINGTON COAST 

2015 

2015 

2015 

6 

7 

7 

30 

3 

4 

HARASSMENT 

HARASSMENT 

HARASSMENT 

WHATCOM 

WHATCOM 

CLALLAM 

WA 

WA 

WA 

SI 

SI 

SI 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS MOVED AND HARASSED BY 

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. THE ANIMAL WAS CAPTURED, 

REHABILITATED, AND RELEASED ON AUGUST 29, 2015. 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS ATTACKED BY A DOG AND 

HARASSED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. THE PUP WAS 

REHABILITATED AND RELEASED AT SAN JUAN ISLAND ON 

AUGUST 29, 2015. 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS HAULED OUT ON A POPULAR 

BEACH DURING A 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION. THE 

PRESENCE OF PEOPLE ON THE BEACH AND FIREWORKS 

DROVE THE PUP INTO THE WATER, WHERE IT WAS 

REPORTED TO SUSTAIN INJURIES WHICH LED TO ITS 

DEATH. THERE ARE NO OTHER DETAILS. IN THE ABSENCE 

OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IT WILL BE ASSUMED THAT 

HUMAN HARASSMENT LED TO THE SEAL'S DEATH. 

NSI 

NSI 

DEAD 

P9 

P9 

NA 

0 

0 

1 

N 

N 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

OREGONWASHINGTON COAST 2015 7 7 MARINE DEBRIS COOS OR SI 

AN ADULT FEMALE HARBOR SEAL WAS OBSERVED OVER A 

COUPLE MONTHS WITH A CIRCUMFERENTIAL NECK 

ENTANGLEMENT CAUSED BY A PACKING BAND. THE 

ENTANGLED SEAL SUCCESSFULLY REARED A PUP. THE 

PACKING BAND WAS NOTED TO BE CUTTING INTO THE 

SKIN AND BLUBBER. SI P8a 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

OREGONWASHINGTON COAST 2015 7 8 HARASSMENT GRAYS HARBOR WA SI 

A FEMALE HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS REPORTED TO BE ON A 

BEACH FOR A 24 HOUR PERIOD. DURING THIS TIME THERE 

WERE MULTIPLE REPORTS OF HARASSMENT, INCLUDING 

REPORTS OF PEOPLE THROWING THE SEAL. THE PUP WAS 

DEAD BY THE TIME STRANDING NETWORK RESPONDERS 

ARRIVED. IN THE ABSENCE OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

THIS WILL BE ASSUMED TO BE A HUMAN-CAUSED 

MORTALITY DUE TO THE INTENSITY OF THE HARASSMENT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

OREGONWASHINGTON COAST 2015 7 15 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH CLATSOP OR DEAD A HARBOR SEAL WAS CAUGHT AND KILLED IN A SALMON 

RESEARCH NET. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

SOUND 2015 7 16 HARASSMENT THURSTON WA SI 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS ON A BUSY BEACH. IT WAS 

OBSERVED TO BE UNATTENDED FOR TWO DAYS, AND 

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE BEGINNING TO 

APPROACH AND TOUCH IT. THE PUP WAS REHABILITATED 

AND WAS RELEASED AT SOLO POINT ON OCTOBER 12, NSI P9 0 N N 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 7 18 DOG ATTACK HUMBOLDT CA SI DOG BITES. TREATED IN REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 

HARBOR SEAL 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2015 7 18 HARASSMENT SAN JUAN WA SI 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS HARASSED BY MEMBERS OF THE 

PUBLIC AND A DOG. THE PUP SUSTAINED SEVERAL 

PUNCTURE WOUNDS WHICH BECAME INFECTED. THE SEAL 

WAS REHABILITATED AND RELEASED AT SAN JUAN ISLAND 

ON OCTOBER 15, 2015. NSI P9 0 N N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

AN ADULT MALE HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD. THE 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

SEAL HAD INGESTED HOOK AND LINE AND HEMORRAGING 

WAS LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE BODY, POSSIBLY 

INDICATING THE ANIMAL WAS SHOT. HOWEVER, THIS 

MORTALITY WILL BE ATTRIBUTED TO INGESTED GEAR, 

OREGON- SINCE IT CAN BE MORE READILY CONFIRMED THAN THE 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2015 7 19 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY TILLAMOOK OR DEAD GUNSHOT INJURIES AND LIKELY OCCURRED PRIOR TO DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A MALE HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS HARASSED BY MEMBERS 

OF THE PUBLIC AND DOGS AT A STATE PARK. PEOPLE 

WASHINGTON WERE POURING WATER ON THE PUP AND DRIVING IT 

NORTHERN INLAND INTO THE WATER. REHABILITATION WAS ATTEMPTED, BUT 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2015 7 24 HARASSMENT SAN JUAN WA SI THE ANIMAL HAD TO BE EUTHANIZED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS HARASSED BY MEMBERS OF THE 

PUBLIC AT A BUSY BOAT LAUNCH. THE SEAL WAS 

REHABILITATED AND RELEASED AT JETTY ISLAND IN 

HARBOR SEAL HOOD CANAL 2015 7 25 HARASSMENT KITSAP WA SI EVERETT ON OCTOBER 9, 2015. NSI P9 0 N N 

A HARBOR SEAL IN EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION WAS 

FOUND DEAD WITH BULLET / PELLET HOLES AND 

ASSOCIATED HEMORRHAGE IN THE HEAD, NECK, PELVIS, 

OREGON- AND TAIL. ONE OF THE ANIMAL'S LUMBAR VERTEBRA WAS 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2015 8 10 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD BROKEN. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD WITH A HOLE IN ITS 

VENTRAL NECK WITH ASSOCIATED HEMORRHAGING. 

THERE WAS TREMENDOUS HEMORRHAGING 

OREGON- THROUGHOUT THE BODY. THE REPORTING PARTY NOTED 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2015 8 17 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD THIS ANIMAL WAS SHOT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH DOG BITES. TREATED AT 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 8 19 DOG ATTACK DEL NORTE CA SI REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 

A MALE HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS FOUND FRESH DEAD. THE 

WASHINGTON ANIMAL HAD SIX PARALLEL DEEP LACERATIONS ON THE 

NORTHERN INLAND LEFT SIDE OF THE BODY FROM THE BASE OF THE SKULL TO 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2015 8 27 VESSEL STRIKE PIERCE WA DEAD THE HIND FLIPPER CONSISTENT WITH PROPELLER INJURY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

AN ADULT MALE HARBOR SEAL CARCASS WAS FOUND. 

THE SEAL HAD INGESTED FISHING GEAR AND APPEARED 

TO BE SHOT IN THE HEAD AND BODY INDICATED BY HOLES 

AND ASSOCIATED HEMORRHAGE. GIVEN THE TWO 

SOURCES OF INJURY, THIS MORTALITY WILL BE 

ATTRIBUTED TO INGESTED GEAR, SINCE IT CAN BE MORE 

OREGON- EASILY CONFIRMED THAN THE GUNSHOT INJURIES AND 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2015 8 28 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY PACIFIC WA DEAD LIKELY OCCURRED PRIOR TO BEING SHOT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD. THE ANIMAL 

APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN SHOT, AND BOTH ENTRY AND 

OREGON- EXIT WOUNDS WERE EVIDENT. THE PROJECTILE 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2015 9 7 SHOOTING LINCOLN OR DEAD PENTRATED FROM THE LEFT THORACIC TO RIGHT DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISHING LINE WRAPPED AROUND NECK AND SEEMS TO 

EXTEND INTO THE BODY AS IF SWALLOWED. ONLY HALF 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 9 18 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA DEAD OF LOWER MANDIBLE REMAINING. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON A FRESH DEAD HARBOR SEAL AND TWO BIRDS WERE 

HARBOR SEAL 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2015 9 23 GILLNET FISHERY SAN JUAN WA DEAD 

FOUND ENTANGLED IN A DERLICT / ABDONDONED 

GILLNET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

WASHINGTON A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD AND ENTANGLED IN 

NORTHERN INLAND GILLNET. THE SEAL WAS IN A STATE OF MODERATE 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2015 9 24 GILLNET FISHERY SAN JUAN WA DEAD DECOMPOSITION. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS OBSERVED IN EDMONDS THAT WAS 

BLEEDING HEAVILY FROM ITS NOSE AND WITH OBVIOUS 

INJURIES TO ITS EYES. CAPTURE ATTEMPTS BY NOAA AND 

THE SEATTLE AQUARIUM WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE 

WASHINGTON ANIMAL WAS NOT SEEN AGAIN. THE REPORTING PARTY 

NORTHERN INLAND BELIEVED THE SEAL'S INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED WHEN 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2015 9 24 SEAL BOMB SNOHOMISH WA SI THE SEAL INGESTED A SEAL BOMB. SI P9 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

A HARBOR SEAL CLIMBED ONTO A BOAT AND AFTERWARD 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

WAS UNABLE TO CLIMB OUT AND RETURN TO THE WATER. 

THE SEAL REMAINED ABOARD OVERNIGHT UNTIL THE 

WASHINGTON REPORTING PARTY ARRIVED AND WAS ABLE TO POSITION 

NORTHERN INLAND A BOARD IN SUCH A FASHION THAT THE SEAL WAS ABLE 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2015 9 26 ENTRAPMENT KITSAP WA NSI TO CLIMB OFF THE BOAT AND INTO THE WATER. NSI P9 0 N N 

WASHINGTON A FEMALE HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD. A 

NORTHERN INLAND RADIOGRAPH CONFIRMED THE ANIMAL HAD BEEN SHOT. 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2015 9 29 SHOOTING WHATCOM WA DEAD THERE WERE MULTIPLE PROJECTILES IDENTIFIED IN THE DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A SUBADULT FEMALE HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD. 

THE ANIMAL APPEARED TO BE SHOT. THERE WERE CLEAR 

OREGON- ENTRANCE AND EXIT WOUNDS IN THE ANIMAL'S SKULL 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2015 10 4 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD AND ASSOCIATED HEMORRHAGING. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

AN ADULT FEMALE HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD 

WASHINGTON WITH WHAT WAS NOTED TO BE A "CLEAR BULLET 

NORTHERN INLAND WOUND." FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED A 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2015 10 13 SHOOTING WHATCOM WA DEAD TRACKING WOUND. NO BULLET WAS RECOVERED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON THREE HARBOR SEALS WERE FOUND ENTANGLED IN 

NORTHERN INLAND SUBMERGED GILLNET. EACH SEAL WAS FRESH DEAD. THIS 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2015 10 14 GILLNET FISHERY SAN JUAN WA DEAD IS SEAL ONE OF THREE. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

WASHINGTON THREE HARBOR SEALS WERE FOUND ENTANGLED IN 

NORTHERN INLAND SUBMERGED GILLNET. EACH SEAL WAS FRESH DEAD. THIS 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2015 10 14 GILLNET FISHERY SAN JUAN WA DEAD IS SEAL TWO OF THREE. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

WASHINGTON THREE HARBOR SEALS WERE FOUND ENTANGLED IN 

NORTHERN INLAND UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY SUBMERGED GILLNET. EACH SEAL WAS FRESH DEAD. THIS 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2015 10 14 INTERACTION SAN JUAN WA DEAD IS SEAL THREE OF THREE. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

AN ADULT MALE HARBOR SEAL WAS OBSERVED CAUGHT 

IN A GATE BETWEEN TWO PONDS AT A CITY PARK. THE 

ANIMAL APPEARED TO BE FRESH DEAD. THE CARCASS 

WAS RECOVERED A COUPLE DAYS LATER WHEN IT WAS 

FLOATING IN THE MIDDLE OF ONE OF THE PONDS. THE 

SEAL HAD BROKEN AND MISSING UPPER AND LOWER 

TEETH AS WELL AS HEMORRHAGING UNDER ITS MOUTH. 

SOUTHERN PUGET STRANDING RESPONDERS SUSPECT THESE INJURIES WERE 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2015 10 18 ENTRAPMENT PIERCE WA DEAD SUSTAINED WHEN THE ANIMAL WAS TRAPPED IN THE DEAD NA 1 N Y 

OREGONA ROBUST, WEANED, HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS OBSERVED 

HAULED OUT WITH A FISHING LURE HANGING FROM ITS 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2015 10 24 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LINCOLN OR SI MOUTH. SI P2 1 N Y 

A FRESH DEAD SUBADULT MALE HARBOR SEAL WAS 

FOUND IN THE VICINITY OF ACTIVE SET GILLNET FISHING. 

THE ANIMAL HAD LINEAR LACERATIONS ON BOTH EYES 

CONSISTENT WITH ENTANGLEMENT AND MULTIPLE 

SOUTHERN PUGET SET GILLNET FISHERY 

PUNCTURE WOUNDS ON THE ABDOMEN AND CHEST, 

POSSIBLY FROM A GAFF. BOTH FRONT AND BACK FLIPPERS 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2015 10 30 INTERACTION PIERCE WA DEAD WERE ALSO SEVERED. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND FRESH DEAD WITH A 

CIRCUMFERENTIAL NECK ENTANGLEMENT CAUSED BY 

WHAT APPEARED TO BE GHOST TRAWL NET. THE NET HAD 

OREGON- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY PELAGIC GOOSENECK BARNACLES GROWING ON IT 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2015 11 18 INTERACTION CLALLAM WA DEAD INDICATING THAT IT HAD BEEN ADRIFT FOR A WHILE. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

APPARENTLY HEALTHY NEONATE WITH UMBILICUS WAS 

REMOVED FROM BEACH BY PUBLIC. TREATED AT REHAB 

FACILITY AND RELEASED. ANIMAL WAS ALSO 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 1 17 HARASSMENT SAN DIEGO CA NSI DOCUMENTED ON 3/23 AND 3/24 BEING HANDLED BY THE 

APPARENTLY HEALTHY NEONATE WAS REMOVED FROM 

SI P14 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 1 24 HARASSMENT SAN DIEGO CA NSI BEACH BY PUBLIC. DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD ON A PUBLIC BEACH. A 

WASHINGTON LIMITED NECROPSY WAS CONDUCTED, AND A FISHING 

NORTHERN INLAND HOOK AND LINE WAS FOUND LODGED IN THE SEAL'S 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2016 2 23 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY KITSAP WA DEAD INTESTINES. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH FRESHLY ABSENT 

UMBILICUS HANDLED BY PUBLIC. TREATED AT REHAB 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 2 24 HARASSMENT SAN LUIS OBISPO CA NSI FACILITY AND RELEASED. SI P14 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

NEONATE WITH ATTACHED UMBILICUS WAS REMOVED 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

FROM BEACH BY PUBLIC. ANIMAL WAS LETHARGIC WITH 

LABORED BREATHING. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 2 25 HARASSMENT SAN DIEGO CA NSI RELEASED. SI P14 1 N Y 

MILDLY UNDERWEIGHT NEONATE REMOVED FROM BEACH 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 2 28 HARASSMENT MARIN CA NSI BY PUBLIC. DIED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HARASSED - NETTED OUT OF WATER BY PUBLIC, 

MODERATELY UNDERWEIGHT, VOCAL, FULL LANUGO 

COAT, 3-4 CM UMBILICUS DRY AT TIP PRESENT. TREATED 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 2 29 HARASSMENT MARIN CA NSI AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. SI P14 1 N Y 

REMOVED FROM WILD BY KAYAKER AND BROUGHT TO 

CAMPGROUND, FULL LANUGO COAT, FRESH PINK 

UMBILICUS PRESENT, EMACIATED. TREATED AT REHAB 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 3 1 HARASSMENT MARIN CA NSI FACILITY AND RELEASED. SI P14 1 N Y 

REMOVED FROM WILD BY PUBLIC. MODERATELY 

UNDERWEIGHT, FULL LANUGO COAT WITH 3 CM DRIED 

UMBILICUS PRESENT. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 3 2 HARASSMENT MARIN CA NSI RELEASED. SI P14 1 N Y 

HARASSED - ON TARP BEING PULLED AWAY FROM THE 

WATER BY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC, FULL LANUGO COAT, 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 3 15 HARASSMENT SAN LUIS OBISPO CA NSI EMACIATED. TREATED AT REHAB AND RELEASED. SI P14 1 N Y 

HARASSED - PUBLIC PULLED OUT OF WATER, 

MODERATELY UNDERWEIGHT, FULL LANUGO COAT, 3 CM 

LONG UMBILICUS DRY AT TIP PRESENT. TREATED AT 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 3 16 HARASSMENT MARIN CA NSI REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. SI P14 1 N Y 

BEING FED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. FOUND ON A 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 3 20 HARASSMENT HUMBOLDT CA NSI PICNIC TABLE. DIED IN REHAB. SI P14 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND IN A STATE OF MODERATE 

DECOMPOSITION AND A NECROPSY WAS CONDUCTED. 

PELLET HOLES THROUGHOUT THE SKULL AND BODY AS 

OREGON - WELL AS BLOODY FLUID IN THE THORACIC CAVITY 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2016 3 25 SHOOTING NA OR DEAD INDICATED THE ANIMAL HAD BEEN SHOT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND ENTANGLED IN BUOY LINES 

THAT SUPPORTED CAGES CONTAINING MUSSELS BEING 

GROWN TO MONITOR FOR ENVIRONMENTAL 

HARBOR SEAL HOOD CANAL 2016 4 4 MARINE DEBRIS NA WA DEAD CONTAMINATION DURING A REMEDIATION PROJECT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REMOVED FROM WILD BY PUBLIC, EMACIATED, 

UMBILICUS FRESHLY ABSENT. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 4 12 HARASSMENT MARIN CA NSI AND RELEASED. SI P14 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH DOG BITES. DIED IN REHAB 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 4 26 DOG ATTACK HUMBOLDT CA SI FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND IN A STATE OF ADVANCED 

DECOMPOSITION AND A NECROPSY WAS CONDUCTED. 

PELLET SIZED PENETRATING WOUNDS IN THE HEAD AND 

OREGON - BODY, WITH ASSOCIATED HEMORRHAGING INDICATED 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2016 4 26 SHOOTING NA WA DEAD THE ANIMAL HAD BEEN SHOT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MODERATELY UNDERWEIGHT, UMBILICUS ABSENT SITE 

CLOSED AND HEALED, HARASSED - PUBLIC TRYING TO 

DRAG TO WATER, SMALL TAR PATCHES ON MULTIPLE 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 5 11 HARASSMENT MARIN CA NSI PARTS OF BODY. SI P14 1 N Y 

AN EMACIATED HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS REMOVED FROM 

A BEACH, BROUGHT TO A CONDO, AND FED MILK BY A 

OREGON - MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC. IT ASPIRATED MILK INTO ITS 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2016 5 21 HARASSMENT GRAYS HARBOR WA SI AIRWAY, AND LATER DIED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS REPORTEDLY PICKED UP BY A 

MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC, MOVED FROM ITS ORIGINAL 

OREGON - LOCATION, AND LATER RETURNED TO ITS ORIGINAL 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2016 5 26 HARASSMENT NA OR SI LOCATION. IT WAS LATER FOUND DEAD. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND IN A STATE OF ADVANCED 

DECOMPOSITION AND A NECROPSY WAS CONDUCTED. 

THERE WERE BULLET ENTRANCE AND EXIT WOUNDS IN 

OREGON - THE SKULL, AND HEMORRHAGE THROUGHOUT THE BODY 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2016 6 10 SHOOTING NA OR DEAD INDICATED THE ANIMAL HAD BEEN SHOT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND IN A STATE OF MODERATE 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

DECOMPOSITION AND A NECROPSY WAS CONDUCTED. A 

HOLE IN THE HEAD WITH ASSOCIATED HOMORHAGE 

OREGON - INDICATED THE ANIMAL HAD BEEN SHOT. OTHERWISE THE 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2016 6 16 SHOOTING NA OR DEAD ANIMAL WAS IN EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP THAT HAULED OUT IN A DOG PARK 

WAS OBSERVED BEING HELD BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC. 

OVER REPEATED OBSERVATIONS THE SEAL PUP DID NOT 

WASHINGTON MOVE LOCATION AND THE MOTHER WAS NOT 

NORTHERN INLAND ATTENDENT, SO THE PUP WAS TRANSPORTED TO A 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2016 6 23 HARASSMENT NA WA NSI REHABILITATION CENTER AND LATER RELEASED. NSI P14 0 N N 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP BOARDED A SAILBOAT, BUT WAS 

WASHINGTON UNABLE TO EXIT AFTER CLIMBING ABOARD. WDFW 

NORTHERN INLAND RESPONDED AND REMOVED THE SEAL. THE SEAL WAS 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2016 7 3 HARASSMENT PIERCE WA NSI REPORTED TO APPEAR HEALTHY. NSI P9 0 N N 

A LIVE HARBOR SEAL PUP HAD REPORTEDLY BEEN 

WASHINGTON OBSERVED BEING HIT BY PEOPLE. THE SEAL WAS DEAD 

NORTHERN INLAND WHEN THE STRANDING RESPONDER ARRIVED. A 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2016 8 1 HARASSMENT NA WA NSI NECROPSY WAS CONDUCTED, AND THE SEAL HAD A DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS SEEN FOR DAYS HAULED OUT 

ON A HIGH-USE CITY DOCK. THE MOTHER WAS NOT IN 

WASHINGTON ATTENDANCE, WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN DUE TO THE HIGH 

NORTHERN INLAND PUBLIC USE OF THE AREA. THE PUP WAS CAPTURED AND 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2016 8 2 HARASSMENT KITSAP WA NSI SENT TO A REHABILITATION CENTER WHERE IT LATER DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND IN A STATE OF MODERATE 

DECOMPOSITION AND A NECROPSY WAS CONDUCTED. A 

FISH HOOK AND LINE WAS FOUND IN THE INTESTINES AND 

OREGON - THERE WAS A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF BLOODY FLUID 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2016 8 10 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY NA OR DEAD IN THE THORACIC AND ABDOMINAL CAVITIES. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A FRESH DEAD HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND FLOATING IN 

WASHINGTON AN AREA ACTIVELY BEING FISHED WITH GILLNETS. THE 

NORTHERN INLAND SEAL HAD NET-LIKE LINEAR IMPRESSIONS ON ITS EYES, 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2016 8 11 GILLNET FISHERY KITSAP WA DEAD CHEST, SHOULDERS, AND PELVIS. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND FLOATING IN A STATE OF 

MODERATE DECOMPOSITION AND A NECROPSY WAS 

CONDUCTED. THE CARCASS DISPLAYED CIRCULINEAR 

WASHINGTON HEMORRHAGING AROUND THE LOWER JAW, HEAD, NECK, 

NORTHERN INLAND AND PELVIS. THERE WAS GILLNET FISHING OCCURING IN 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2016 8 15 GILLNET FISHERY KITSAP WA DEAD THE AREA. NA NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND FLOATING IN A STATE OF 

WASHINGTON MODERATE DECOMPOSITION AND A NECROPSY WAS 

NORTHERN INLAND CONDUCTED. THERE WAS CIRCULINEAR HEMORRHAGING 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2016 8 15 GILLNET FISHERY KITSAP WA DEAD AROUND THE LOWER JAW AND BASE OF THE NECK. NA NA 1 Y Y 

WASHINGTON A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND FLOATING FRESHLY DEAD. A 

NORTHERN INLAND NECROPSY WAS CONDUCTED. THERE WAS HEMORRHAGE 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2016 8 15 GILLNET FISHERY KITSAP WA DEAD AROUND THE HEAD, NECK, AND MID-BELLY. NA NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND IN A STATE OF MODERATE 

DECOMPOSITION AND A NECROPSY WAS CONDUCTED. 

THERE WAS LINEAR HEMORRHAGE JUST BEHIND THE JAW 

EXTENDING VENTRALLY, HEMORRHAGE IN THE NECK AND 

NORTHERN OREGON - UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY BODY, RIB MARKS ON THE LUNG, AND THE SEAL WAS IN 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2016 8 24 INTERACTION NA WA DEAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND FLOATING FRESHLY DEAD. A 

NECROPSY WAS CONDUCTED. THE EXAMINER NOTED 

LINEAR LINES/IMPRESSIONS ACROSS THE EYE. THE HEAD 

WAS ALSO BLOODY AND SWOLLEN, AND THE SKULL WAS 

WASHINGTON LIKELY FRACTURED. IT APPEARED THE SEAL HAD BECOME 

NORTHERN INLAND ENTANGLED AND WAS THEN BLUDGEONED. GILLNET 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2016 8 25 GILLNET FISHERY NA WA DEAD FISHING WAS OCCURRING NEARBY. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

FOUND ALIVE IN SURF WITH BLEEDING FROM THE HEAD. 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

APPROACHABLE, GOOD BODY CONDITION. RADIOLOGY AT 

TMMC FOUND A CRANIAL FRACTURE WITH A BULLET AND 

FRAGMENT SCATTER IN THE SOFT TISSUES OF THE LEFT 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 8 26 SHOOTING MARIN CA SI SIDE OF THE HEAD. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND FLOATING FRESHLY DEAD. A 

NECROPSY WAS CONDUCTED. THE EXAMINER NOTED 

LINEAR LINES/IMPRESSIONS ACROSS THE EYE. THE HEAD 

WAS ALSO BLOODY AND SWOLLEN, AND THE SKULL WAS 

WASHINGTON LIKELY FRACTURED. IT APPEARED THE SEAL HAD BECOME 

NORTHERN INLAND ENTANGLED AND WAS THEN BLUDGEONED. GILLNET 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2016 8 27 GILLNET FISHERY NA WA DEAD FISHING WAS OCCURRING NEARBY. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

WASHINGTON A FRESHLY DEAD HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND STRANDED 

NORTHERN INLAND WITH TWO PARALLEL SLICES ON ITS DORSAL SIDE THAT 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2016 8 31 VESSEL STRIKE SAN JUAN WA DEAD APPEARED TO BE A PROPELLER INJURY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND FLOATING DEAD IN A STATE 

OF MODERATE DECOMPOSITION. A NECROPSY WAS 

WASHINGTON CONDUCTED. IN ADDITION TO LINEAR IMPRESSIONS, THE 

NORTHERN INLAND SEAL HAD THREE DEEP LINEAR CUTS ON THE HEAD AND 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2016 9 2 GILLNET FISHERY NA WA DEAD SHOULDER. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CARCASS NECROPSIED. APPARENT GUN SHOT WOUND TO 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 9 11 SHOOTING DEL NORTE CA DEAD THE HEAD, BULLET NOT FOUND. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON A HARBOR SEAL PUP WITH A 4 OZ FISHING LURE HOOKED 

NORTHERN INLAND TO ITS HIND FLIPPER WAS CAPTURED, THE HOOK WAS 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2016 9 22 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY NA WA NSI REMOVED, AND THE ANIMAL WAS RELEASED. NSI P5C 0 N N 

A HARBOR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD, FLOATING IN A 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

HARBOR. THE SEAL HAD NET IMPRESSIONS / INDICATIONS 

ON ITS BODY AND GILLNET FISHING WAS OCCURING IN 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2016 9 25 GILLNET FISHERY NA WA DEAD THE AREA. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS FOUND DEAD IN A STATE OF 

MODERATE DECOMPOSITION. THE PUP APPEARED AS IF IT 

HAD BEEN WRAPPED/ENTANGLED IN ROPE OR NET, AND 

THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL HEMORRHAGE AROUND THE 

CHEST, LEADING EDGE OF FORE FLIPPERS, AND NOSE. THE 

SOUTHERN PUGET ANIMAL ALSO HAD A PUNCTURED LEFT EYE. THERE WAS 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2016 9 29 GILLNET FISHERY NA WA DEAD SALMON GILLNET FISHING OCCURING IN THE AREA. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CARCASS FOUND AT THE BASE OF INDIAN BEACH TRAIL 

STAIRS APPROXIMATELY 100 YARDS SOUTH. HOOK WAS 

EMBEDDED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ANIMALS NECK 

AND LINE WAS WRAPPED IN KELP MASS NEARBY. 

APPARENT GUN SHOT WOUND TO THE HEAD. 

PENETRATING WOUND WITH CLEAN MARGINS ON FRESH 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 10 14 SHOOTING HUMBOLDT CA DEAD CARCASS WITH MINIMAL TO NO SCAVENGING PRESENT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

A HARBOR SEAL PUP WAS FOUND STRANDED WITH ALL 

TISSUE REMOVED FROM ITS SHOULDERS TO ITS EYES, AND 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY WHAT APPEARED TO BE A PENETRATING GAFF WOUND 

HARBOR SEAL HOOD CANAL 2016 10 18 INTERACTION NA WA DEAD ON ITS HEAD. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

THREE LACERATIONS THAT RUN DIAGONALLY ACROSS THE 

BACK OF THE ANIMAL, EQUIDISTANT (22-24CM) FROM 

EACH OTHER . THE ANTERIOR AND POSTERIOR PROPELLER 

STRIKES BROKE THROUGH THE SKIN AND PROBABLY THE 

BLUBBER. THE MIDDLE PROPELLER STRIKE DID NOT BREAK 

SKIN BUT IS EVIDENT AS A SCAR WITH REMOVED FUR. 

BEYOND THIS APPARENT SCAVENGING HAS OBSCURED 

OBSERVATION OF HUMAN INTERACTION. BONES AT LEFT 

SIDE OF BACK OF SKULL ARE BROKEN. SLIGHTLY BLOATED 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 2 10 VESSEL STRIKE MONTEREY CA DEAD AND EYES SCAVENGED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

OREGON -

WASHINGTON COAST 2017 3 2 SHOOTING LINCOLN CA DEAD 

DORSAL ENTRY WOUND APPROXIMATELY 1/2 INCH IN 

DIAMETER. EXIT WOUND ON VENTRUM. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

PUP (UMBILLICUS FRESHLY ABSENT) ILLEGALLY PICKED UP 

BY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC AND BROUGHT HOME 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

OVERNIGHT WHERE IT WAS FED MILK AND FISH OIL. 

PERSON TRIED TO RELEASE THE ANIMAL THE NEXT DAY, 

BUT IT WOULD NOT LEAVE BEACH. TAKEN INTO REHAB 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 4 9 HARASSMENT SANTA BARBARA CA NSI FACILITY, TREATED AND RELEASED. SI P14 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED PUP WRAPPED IN A TOWEL BY MEMBERS 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 4 10 HARASSMENT SONOMA CA NSI OF THE PUBLIC AND MOVED AWAY FROM COLONY. SI P14 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 4 17 DOG ATTACK DEL NORTE CA SI DOG ATTACKED ANIMAL. EUTHANIZED AT REHAB DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 4 21 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 4 22 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

PEOPLE TOUCHING AN EMACIATED SEAL PUP ON THE 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 4 29 HARASSMENT MARIN CA SI BEACH. SI P14 1 N Y 

PUP WITH UMBILLICUS PRESENT, TRAUMA AND 

OREGON - HEMORRHAGING DETERMINED TO BE RELATED TO BEING 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2017 5 19 VEHICLE COLLISION CLATSOP OR DEAD STRUCK BY VEHICLE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND PUP BEING PET BY PEOPLE ON BEACH. REMOVED FROM 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 5 26 HARASSMENT SKAGIT WA NSI BEACH AND EUTHANIZED AT REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

NEWBORN PUP WAS IN A HEAVILY USED SURFING AREA, 

WAS CONSTANTLY APPROACHED BY PEOPLE ON BEACH 

AND IN WATER DESPITE POSTED SIGNS; 5/28 WAS 

NORTHERN OREGON - RELOCATED TO HAUL OUT AREA COVE NORTH OF INN AT 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2017 5 27 HARASSMENT LINCOLN OR NSI OTTER CREST; GREEN PAINT APPLIED TO TOP OF HEAD. SI P14 1 N Y 

OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 5 31 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 6 7 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 6 9 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

NEWBORN PUP WAS BEING PET BY MEMBERS OF THE 

PUBLIC. MOTHER DID NOT RETURN TO PUP AFTER A FEW 

DAYS AND PUP WAS REMOVED AND EUTHANIZED IN 

HARBOR SEAL HOOD CANAL 2017 6 17 HARASSMENT MASON WA NSI REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 6 19 HARASSMENT WHATCOM WA DEAD NEWBORN PUP DUMPED IN SOMEONE'S YARD. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

NEWBORN PUP THAT HAD BEEN IN GOOD CONDITION 

WASHINGTON WAS BEING CONTINUALLY HARASSED ON A BUSY BEACH. 

NORTHERN INLAND ITS CONDITION DETERIORATED AND IT WAS EUTHANIZED 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 6 25 HARASSMENT ISLAND WA NSI AT A REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CHILDREN WERE PUTTING A NEWBORN SEAL INTO THE 

WATER AND SWIMMING WITH IT AT A BUSY BEACH. 

WASHINGTON ANIMAL EVENTUALLY WAS RELOCATED TO A NEW BEACH. 

NORTHERN INLAND DESIGNATED SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO MATERNAL 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 6 27 HARASSMENT WHATCOM WA NSI SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 

CHILDREN WERE PUTTING A NEWBORN SEAL INTO THE 

WATER AND SWIMMING WITH IT AT A BUSY BEACH. SOME 

WASHINGTON WERE THROWING ROCKS AT ANIMAL. ANIMAL 

NORTHERN INLAND CONDITION DETERIORATED. DESIGNATED SERIOUS INJURY 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 6 28 HARASSMENT WHATCOM WA NSI DUE TO MATERNAL SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL HOOD CANAL 2017 6 30 HARASSMENT MASON WA NSI PUP ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM BEACH. SI P14 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND NEWBORN PUP BEING HARASSED BY PEOPLE. SERIOUS 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 7 1 HARASSMENT SAN JUAN WA NSI INJURY DUE TO MATERNAL SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 

NEWBORN PUP ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM BEACH, 

BROUGHT TO PRIVATE RESIDENCE. PUP RETURNED TO 

WASHINGTON BEACH AFTER REPORTING PARTY WAS TOLD OF ILLEGALITY 

NORTHERN INLAND OF REMOVING ANIMAL FROM BEACH. CONSIDERED 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 7 1 HARASSMENT KITSAP WA NSI SERIOUS INJURY BECAUSE OF MATERNAL SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

WITNESS SAID BOYS WERE HITTING A SEAL WITH STICKS, 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

HARBOR SEAL N OREGON-WA COAST 2017 7 3 HARASSMENT LANE OR NSI DRAWING BLOOD. SI P9 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 7 8 SHOOTING SONOMA CA DEAD SHOTGUN PELLETS IN CRANIUM. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PUP BEING SURROUNDED AND INTERACTED WITH PEOPLE 

ON A REGULAR BASIS. PUP UNDERWEIGHT AND 

WASHINGTON DEHYDRATED. ASSIGNED AS A SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO 

NORTHERN INLAND LIKELY PUP / MOTHER SEPARATION BECAUSE OF 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 7 16 HARASSMENT WHATCOM WA NSI PRESENCE OF PEOPLE. SI P14 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2017 7 17 HARASSMENT ISLAND WA NSI 

PUP BEING FED, MOVED INTO WATER, AND TOUCHED BY 

PEOPLE ON THE BEACH. SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO PUP / 

MOTHER SEPARATION AGGRAVATED BY HUMAN SI P14 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON PUP BEING APPROACHED BY PEOPLE ON BEACH. SERIOUS 

NORTHERN INLAND INJURY DUE TO LIKELIHOOD OF AGGRAVATED MATERNAL 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 

WASHINGTON 

2017 7 20 HARASSMENT WHATCOM WA NSI / PUP SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 

NORTHERN INLAND 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 7 22 HARASSMENT WHATCOM WA NSI PUP ON BEACH BEING MOVED INTO WATER BY PEOPLE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2017 7 29 HARASSMENT SKAGIT WA NSI 

PUP REMOVED FROM BEACH AND FED AT PRIVATE 

RESIDENCE WHERE IT DIED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

SOUND 2017 7 30 HARASSMENT PIERCE WA NSI 

PUP BEING HARASSED BY DOGS AND PEOPLE ON THE 

BEACH. SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO MATERNAL / PUP 

SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND PUP REMOVED FROM BEACH BY BOATERS. SERIOUS 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 

WASHINGTON 

2017 7 30 HARASSMENT WHATCOM WA NSI INJURY DUE TO MATERNAL / PUP SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 

NORTHERN INLAND HEALTHY PUP WAS HARASSED ON BEACH OVER A PERIOD 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 7 31 HARASSMENT ISLAND WA NSI OF DAYS AND EVENTUALLY DIED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2017 8 5 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY SAN JUAN WA SI 

STRANDING RESPONSE TO A CALL OF A PUP WITH A FISH 

HOOK IN THE ROSTRUM. RESPONDERS ARRIVED AND 

CONFIRMED THAT PUP NO LONGER HAD HOOK NSI P5C 0 N N 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL BEING TOUCHED BY MEMBERS 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 8 6 HARASSMENT SAN MATEO CA SI OF THE PUBLIC. DIED AT REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND FRESHLY-WEANED PUP CARCASS WITH THREE PROPELLER 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 8 10 VESSEL STRIKE SAN JUAN WA DEAD LACERATIONS. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SOUTHERN PUGET CARCASS WITH THREE PROPELLER LACERATIONS BEING 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2017 8 12 VESSEL STRIKE PIERCE WA DEAD FED ON BY EAGLES. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SOUTHERN PUGET PUP CARCASS FOUND WITH MULTIPLE LACERATIONS 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2017 8 15 VESSEL STRIKE PIERCE WA DEAD CONSISTENT WITH VESSEL STRIKE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL HAD A LARGE LACERATION IN ITS RIGHT 

SHOULDER AND A LARGE HEMATOMA IN THE RIGHT SIDE 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 8 20 VESSEL STRIKE MARIN CA DEAD OF THE NECK AND HEAD CONSISTENT WITH VESSEL STRIKE DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 8 23 MARINE DEBRIS KITSAP WA DEAD ONE OF SEVEN ANIMALS ENTANGLED IN A NET BUOY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 8 23 MARINE DEBRIS KITSAP WA DEAD ONE OF SEVEN ANIMALS ENTANGLED IN A NET BUOY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 8 23 MARINE DEBRIS KITSAP WA DEAD ONE OF SEVEN ANIMALS ENTANGLED IN A NET BUOY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 8 23 MARINE DEBRIS KITSAP WA DEAD ONE OF SEVEN ANIMALS ENTANGLED IN A NET BUOY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 8 23 MARINE DEBRIS KITSAP WA DEAD ONE OF SEVEN ANIMALS ENTANGLED IN A NET BUOY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 8 23 MARINE DEBRIS KITSAP WA DEAD ONE OF SEVEN ANIMALS ENTANGLED IN A NET BUOY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area 

WASHINGTON 

Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

NORTHERN INLAND 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 8 23 MARINE DEBRIS KITSAP WA DEAD ONE OF SEVEN ANIMALS ENTANGLED IN A NET BUOY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2017 8 24 GILLNET FISHERY KITSAP WA DEAD 

CARCASS FOUND WITH REMNANTS OF GILLNET AROUND 

NECK. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND FISHING LINE PROTRUDING FROM MOUTH WITH BLOOD 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 9 15 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY KING WA SI AROUND MOUTH. LIKELY INGESTED HOOK. SI P2 1 N Y 

ANIMAL WITH VERY GOOD BODY CONDITION WITH 

NORTHERN OREGON - TREMENDOUS HEMORRHAGING AND HOLES ALL OVER 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2017 10 5 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD BODY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ONE OF TWO CARCASSES FOUND ON THE BEACH WITH 

NORTHERN OREGON - UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY PENETRATING WOUNDS CONSISTENT WITH THE USE OF A 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2017 10 11 INTERACTION GRAYS HARBOR OR DEAD FISHING GAFF. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ONE OF TWO CARCASSES FOUND ON THE BEACH WITH 

NORTHERN OREGON - UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY PENETRATING WOUNDS CONSISTENT WITH THE USE OF A 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2017 10 11 INTERACTION GRAYS HARBOR OR DEAD FISHING GAFF. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

WASHINGTON ANIMAL DESCRIBED AS BEING ATTACKED BY DOG, 

NORTHERN INLAND POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A BROKEN TOE ON SEAL. TREATED 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2017 10 13 DOG ATTACK WHATCOM WA SI AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. NSI P9 0 N N 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2017 10 30 GILLNET FISHERY THURSTON WA DEAD ONE OF TEN HARBOR SEALS FOUND DEAD IN A GILLNET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2017 10 30 GILLNET FISHERY THURSTON WA DEAD ONE OF TEN HARBOR SEALS FOUND DEAD IN A GILLNET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2017 10 30 GILLNET FISHERY THURSTON WA DEAD ONE OF TEN HARBOR SEALS FOUND DEAD IN A GILLNET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2017 10 30 GILLNET FISHERY THURSTON WA DEAD ONE OF TEN HARBOR SEALS FOUND DEAD IN A GILLNET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2017 10 30 GILLNET FISHERY THURSTON WA DEAD ONE OF TEN HARBOR SEALS FOUND DEAD IN A GILLNET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2017 10 30 GILLNET FISHERY THURSTON WA DEAD ONE OF TEN HARBOR SEALS FOUND DEAD IN A GILLNET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2017 10 30 GILLNET FISHERY THURSTON WA DEAD ONE OF TEN HARBOR SEALS FOUND DEAD IN A GILLNET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2017 10 30 GILLNET FISHERY THURSTON WA DEAD ONE OF TEN HARBOR SEALS FOUND DEAD IN A GILLNET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2017 10 30 GILLNET FISHERY THURSTON WA DEAD ONE OF TEN HARBOR SEALS FOUND DEAD IN A GILLNET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2017 10 30 GILLNET FISHERY THURSTON WA DEAD ONE OF TEN HARBOR SEALS FOUND DEAD IN A GILLNET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

NORTHERN OREGON - CARCASS FOUND WITH CIRCULAR DEEP IMPRESSION 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2017 11 1 GILLNET FISHERY JEFFERSON WA DEAD AROUND SNOUT AND POSSIBLE GAFF MARKS. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

RESEARCHERS ENCOUNTERED A HARBOR SEAL IN A 

GILLNET AND BROUGHT IT ABOARD A VESSEL WHERE THEY 

SOUTHERN PUGET DISENTANGLED IT. THE ANIMAL WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2017 12 1 GILLNET FISHERY PIERCE WA SI BOAT AND SWIM AWAY UNDER ITS OWN POWER. NSI P7B 0 Y N 

REPORTED DEAD FLOATING. IN A BAY THAT HAS A 

HATCHERY UP CREEK FROM WHERE RECOVERED. NO 

ACTIVE COMMERCIAL FISHING IN AREA. PENETRATING 

WOUND BEHIND RIGHT ORBITAL, FRACTURING FROM 

RIGHT ORBITAL TO EAR. FOUND BULLET FRAGMENTS 

AMONG BONE FRAGMENTS IN MUSCLE AT NECK. SEAL 

WAS PREGNANT WITH 2ND TRIMESTER FETUS. TRACKING 

INJURY THOUGH LEFT SIDE OF SKULL. ENTRANCE INTO EYE 

AND THEN TRACKED BACK L SIDE SKULL FRACTURING 

SKULL ALL THE WAY BACK AND BULLET RECOVERED IN 

NECK MUSCLE WITH ASSOCIATED HEMORRHAGE. 

SOUTHERN PUGET HEMORRHAGE INTO BRAIN AND SKULL CAVITY.FOUND 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2018 2 5 SHOOTING PIERCE WA DEAD BULLET FRAGMENTS AMONG BONE FRAGMENTS. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

PENETRATING PUNCTURE ON R SIDE OF BEHIND SKULL 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

TRACKS ALL THE WAY TO EAR WHERE TISSUE IS SWOLLEN. 

CAN FEEL IT HIT BONE AND ACTUALLY PENTRATES IN 

SKULL. LARGE 10X6X3 CM WOUND LACERATION ON SIDE 

FACE RIGHT AT LOWER JAW, DEEP. MUSCLE JUST BELOW 

JAW CUT. ABLE TO FEEL CREPITUS UPON PALPATION OF 

THE SKULL AREA AT TOP OF HEAD ALONG SIDE, POSSIBLY 

OREGON- FRACTURED. PUNCTURES TO R PELVIS AREA. NECK AND 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2018 2 7 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA SI HEAD SWOLLEN. ANIMAL EUTHANIZED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HUMAN-INDUCED ABANDONMENT. NEONATE (POSSIBLY 

ABANDONED) WITH PLACENTA AND UMBILICUS 

ATTACHED. ANIMAL WAS REMOVED FROM BEACH BY 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 2 18 HARASSMENT SANTA BARBARA CA SI PUBLIC AND LATER EUTHANIZED AT FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PENETRATING WOUND WITH ASSOCIATED TRACKING 

HEMORRHAGE FROM BACK OF SKULL INTO SKULL WITH 

BONE FRACTURES OUT NEAR EYE AND THRU TO NASAL 

OREGON- CAVITY WHERE THE BULLET WAS RECOVERED. OBVIOUSLY 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2018 2 20 SHOOTING GRAYS HARBOR WA DEAD SIGNIFICANT ENOUGH TO CAUSE THE DEATH OF THE SEAL. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HUMAN-INDUCED ABANDONMENT. LIFEGUARD PICKED 

NEONATE OFF OF SOUTH CASA BEACH AND BROUGHT IT 

TO THE LIFEGUARD TOWER. POSSIBLE ABANDONMENT 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 2 25 HARASSMENT SAN DIEGO CA SI 

PRIOR TO RESCUE. SLIGHTLY THIN, BUT BRIGHT, ALERT, 

AND RESPONSIVE. NO DETAILS ON OUTCOME. SI P14 1 N Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 3 20 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ILLEGALLY REMOVED A PUP FROM BEACH AND BROUGHT 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 4 4 HARASSMENT SANTA BARBARA CA SI 

TO A REHAB FACILITY. PUP VERY THIN, NO UMBILICAL 

CORD. OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P14 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 4 12 HARASSMENT SANTA CRUZ CA SI 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL DRAGGED OUT OF SURFLINE BY 

PEOPLE. NO FURTHER DETAILS. SI P14 1 N Y 

CITIZEN PICKED UP LANUGO PUP FROM BEACH AND 

OREGON- RETURNED IT. PUP WAS VERY ACTIVE FOR 2-3 DAYS, THEN 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2018 4 14 HARASSMENT CLATSOP OR SI LOST ACTIVITY/WEIGHT. PUP SUBSEQUENTLY DIED. 

MULTIPLE PEOPLE REPORTED PETTING AND HARASSING A 

DEAD NA 1 N Y 

100% LANUGO PUP WITH A FRESH UMBILCUS. SEAL 

REPORTED TO HAVE GONE BACK IN THE WATER WITH 

MOTHER DURING THE NIGHT BUT REPORTED BACK ON 

THE BEACH NEXT DAY. SEAL WAS MARKED WITH GREEN 

OREGON- PAINT. SEAL WAS REPORTED GONE THE FOLLOWING DAY 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2018 4 14 HARASSMENT GRAYS HARBOR WA SI NOT SEEN AGAIN. SI P14 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

OREGONWASHINGTON COAST 2018 4 16 SHOOTING TILLAMOOK OR DEAD ANIMAL WITH EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION AND 

SHATTERED SKULL WAS CLEARLY SHOT IN THE HEAD. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

OREGON- HARASSMENT. LANUGO COVERING MUCH OF POSTHARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2018 4 21 HARASSMENT LINCOLN OR SI CRANIAL BODY. NO ADDITIONAL DETAILS. SI P14 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

OREGONWASHINGTON COAST 2018 4 21 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD ANIMAL WAS SHOT IN THE HEAD; THE SEAL HAD 

EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED PUP BEING HARASSSED BY PEOPLE AND 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 4 22 HARASSMENT MARIN CA NSI DOGS. SI P14 1 N Y 

THE SEAL WAS REPORTED ALIVE ON HIGHWAY 202, THEN 

DEAD SHORTLY THEREAFTER FROM BEING SHOT IN THE 

HEAD. FULL-TERM FETUS PRESENT WITH HEAD WELL 

DOWN INTO BIRTH CANAL. FETUS SHOWED SIGNS OF 

SIGNIFICANT TRAUMA AND HEMORRHAGE - CAUSE IS 

UNKNOWN. IT IS UNCLEAR WHETHER THE SEAL WAS RUN 

OVER, AS THERE WERE NO OBVIOUS SIGNS OUTSIDE OF 

CONDITION OF FETUS. THE SEAL HAD EXCELLENT BODY 

CONDITION. HISTOPATHOLOGY INDICATED MILD 

HARBOR SEAL 

OREGONWASHINGTON COAST 2018 4 22 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR SI MULTIFOCAL ENCEPHALITIS, BUT INDICATED THAT IT WAS 

NOT THE PROXIMATE CAUSE OF DEATH. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CITIZEN PICKED MOVED EMACIATED PUP AWAY FROM 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 4 24 HARASSMENT SAN MATEO CA SI THE WATER UP THE BEACH. SI P14 1 N Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 5 1 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 5 2 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 5 3 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

NEWBORN PUP WITH FRESH UMBILICUS REMOVED FROM 

THE WATER BY PUBLIC BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT ANIMAL 

OREGON- WAS DROWNING. MATERNAL SEPARATION. SERIOUS 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2018 5 15 HARASSMENT GRAYS HARBOR WA SI INJURY UNDER CRITERIA P14. SI P14 1 N Y 

PUBLIC PICKING UP NEWBORN PUP FROM BEACH AND 

OREGON- ATTEMPTING TO RETURN IT TO THE WATER. MATERNAL 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2018 5 18 HARASSMENT GRAYS HARBOR WA SI SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 

OREGON- PUP ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM BEACH BY CONCERNED 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2018 5 23 HARASSMENT LINCOLN OR SI CITIZENS. MATERNAL SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 

SEAL WITH EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION THAT WAS 

HARBOR SEAL 

OREGONWASHINGTON COAST 2018 6 11 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD OBVIOUSLY SHOT, AS THE SKULL WAS BLOWN OUT. 

ASSOCIATED HEMORRHAGING. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MAJOR TRAUMA TO HEAD, THREE LARGE PENETRATING 

WOUNDS WITH LEFT EYE BLOWN OUT. THESE APPEAR TO 

OREGON- BE GUNSHOT WOUNDS. LACERATION AT BASE OF LEFT 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2018 6 11 SHOOTING COOS OR DEAD HIND FLIPPER. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FRESHLY DEAD ADULT SEAL FOUND FLOATING. COLLECTED 

FOR FULL NECROPSY. BUCKSHOT EMBEDDED BEHIND 

AUDITORY CANAL. LEFT EYE PHITIC, FIBROUS, AND 

SHRUNKEN. FOUR PARALLEL LACERATIONS RUNNING 

ROUGHLY FROM LEFT TO RIGHT ON THE LEFT LATERAL 

SURFACE STARTING AT THE PELVIS AND CONTINUING 

TOWARDS THE LEFT HIND FLIPPERS WITH 

APPROXIMATELY 4.5 CM BETWEEN EACH LACERATION; 

CLEAN EDGES; INDICATIVE PROPELLOR STRIKE INJURIES. 

LACERATIONS EXTENDED THROUGH SEVERAL BONES IN 

LEFT HIND FLIPPERAND THERE WAS HEMORRAGING NEAR 

WASHINGTON THE INJURIES AS WELL AS IN THE ABDOMINAL CAVITY. 

NORTHERN INLAND HISTORY OF GUNSHOT - SMALL BUCKSHOT FOUND AND 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2018 6 13 VESSEL STRIKE SAN JUAN WA DEAD RECOVERED FROM SKULL. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PUP WITH UMBILLICUS MOVING UP AND DOWN THE 

OREGONBEACH, INTO AND OUT OF WATER. ILLEGALLY PICKED UP BY CITIZEN WHO BROUGHT ANIMAL TO HOTEL. 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2018 6 15 HARASSMENT GRAYS HARBOR WA SI MATERNAL SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 

OREGON- EMACIATED ANIMAL BEING KICKED AND HIT WITH STICKS 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2018 6 15 HARASSMENT GRAYS HARBOR WA SI BY PUBLIC. ANIMAL DIED ENROUTE TO REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PUBLIC HAD MOVED PUP WITH UMBILLICUS OUT OF THE 

SOUTHERN PUGET WAY OF BOAT LAUNCH AREA. ANIMAL DIED AFTER 2 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2018 6 20 HARASSMENT PIERCE WA SI WEEKS AT REHAB FACILITY. MATERNAL SEPARATION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND JACKET PLACED OVER LANUGO PUP ON BEACH. 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2018 6 21 HARASSMENT WHATCOM WA SI MATERNAL SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 

A SERIES OF THREE PROPELLER CUTS ON RIGHT LATERAL 

OREGONSIDE OF BODY; THERE WERE ALSO CANINE PUNCTURE 

WOUNDS THAT APPEARED TO BE POST-MORTEM AND, 

THEREFORE, NOT THE CAUSE OF DEATH. THE LIVE PUP 

WAS PICKED UP BY A WDFW OFFICER AND THE SEAL DIED 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2018 6 26 VESSEL STRIKE PACIFIC WA SI IN TRANSIT. THE ANIMAL HAD FAIR BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

SOUTHERN PUGET PUBLIC MOVING PUP ON THE BEACH. MATERNAL 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2018 6 26 VESSEL STRIKE PIERCE WA SI SEPARATION. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON NEWBORN PUP WITH FRESH UMBILICUS REMOVED FROM 

HARBOR SEAL 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2018 6 28 HARASSMENT SAN JUAN WA SI 

THE BEACH BY PUBLIC. TRANSFERRED TO REHAB FACILITY, 

OUTCOME UNKNOWN. MATERNAL SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 

ANIMAL WITH GOOD BODY WEIGHT AND GILLNET 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 6 29 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI CUTTING DEEP INTO NECK. RESCUE ATTEMPTS FAILED. SI P8A 1 Y Y 

SOUTHERN PUGET PUP BEING HARASSED BY PEOPLE AND DOGS AT THE 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2018 6 30 HARASSMENT PIERCE WA SI BEACH. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. MATERNAL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

SOUND 2018 6 30 HARASSMENT KITSAP WA SI 

THIN, BUT ALERT AND CALLING PUP BEING HARASSED BY 

PUBLIC AND DOGS. MATERNAL SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area 

WASHINGTON 

Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

PUBLIC ATTEMPTING TO SWIM WITH PUP FOR TWO DAYS 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

NORTHERN INLAND WHILE MOTHER WAS NOT DETECTED. MATERNAL 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2018 7 3 HARASSMENT WHATCOM WA SI SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 7 6 HOOK & LINE FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI 

HOOK & LINE FISHERY AND HARASSMENT. LETHARGIC 

ANIMAL WITH SEPTICEMIA AND UNDESRIBED HOOK AND 

LINE FISHERY ISSUES SURROUNDED BY MEMBERS OF THE 

PUBLIC ON BEACH. OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI P1 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

OREGONWASHINGTON COAST 2018 7 6 SHOOTING LINCOLN OR DEAD 

ENTRY WOUND AND TRACT LEADING FROM LEFT 

SHOULDER TO RIGHT SIDE OF HEAD - TRACHEA SEVERED; 

RIGHT SIDE OF FACE AND LOWER JAW SEVERELY DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2018 7 6 HARASSMENT WHATCOM WA SI 

PUP WAS FIRST OBSERVED ON JULY 4TH ON A HEAVILY 

POPULATED BEACH. PUP ENTERED THE WATER YET KEPT 

RETURNING TO THE SAME SPOT. PEOPLE WERE 

SURROUNDING IT AND IT HAD BEEN REPORTED THAT THEY 

HAD PUT IT IN THE WATER MORE THAN ONCE. MATERNAL 

SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2018 7 7 HARASSMENT WHATCOM WA SI 

ANIMAL ON BEACH BEING HARASSED BY DOGS. NO 

FURTHER DETAILS ON AGE OR CONDITION OF ANIMAL. 

ASSUMING THIS CASE INVOLVED A PUP AND MATERNAL 

SEPARATION, AS AN ADULT ANIMAL WOULD LIKELY FLEE 

INTO THE WATER. SI P14 1 N Y 

OTOSTRONGYLIASIS, TRAUMA. SEAL WAS FOUND ON THE 

BEACH WITH LEFT EYE BLEEDING, DIED IN TRANSPORT TO 

FACILITY. 3 PARALLEL LACERATIONS ON RIGHT SIDE OF 

HARBOR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 7 8 VESSEL STRIKE SONOMA CA DEAD FACE (BOATSTRIKE). DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND PUBLIC MOVING PUP FROM ROCKS TO WATER 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2018 7 17 HARASSMENT WHATCOM WA SI REPEATEDLY. MATERNAL SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON PUP WITH UMBILICUS HAULED OUT OR PLACED ON 

NORTHERN INLAND PADDLEBOARD. SENT TO REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2018 7 20 HARASSMENT SAN JUAN WA SI UNKNOWN. SI P14 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

HARBOR SEAL 

HARBOR SEAL 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

SOUND 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

SOUND 

2018 

2018 

2018 

7 

7 

7 

22 

27 

28 

HARASSMENT 

VESSEL STRIKE 

HARASSMENT 

PIERCE 

ISLAND 

PIERCE 

WA 

WA 

WA 

SI 

DEAD 

SI 

UMBILICUS WAS A DRIED NUB. ALERT, CALLING TRY TO 

SUCKLE. PEOPLE WERE REPORTED AS MOVING SEAL INTO 

WATER. HARASSMENT / MATERNAL SEPARARTION. 

INVESTIGATORS FOUND SUB ADULT FEMALE WITH 

SEVERAL OPEN WOUNDS ON HER DORSAL AND LEFT SIDE. 

THE CURVED SHAPE OF THE WOUNDS INDICATED 

POSSIBLE COLLISION WITH BOAT PROPELLER. THE 

CARCASS HAD BEEN LYING ON ITS VENTRAL SIDE WHEN 

FIRST SEEN, INTERPRETED TO MEAN THAT THE DORSAL 

SURFACE, WHERE MOST OF THE WOUNDS WERE LOCATED 

MAY NOT HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE TO SCAVENGING AFTER 

HARASSMENT AND POSSIBLE DOG ATTACK AS EVIDENCED 

BY PUNCTURE WOUNDS. ON AND AROUND A PUBLIC 

BEACH WITH FERRY DOCK. 

SI 

DEAD 

SI 

P14 

NA 

P9 

1 

1 

1 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

SOUND 2018 8 4 HARASSMENT PIERCE WA SI 

SEAL PUP ILLEGALLY REMOVED FROM BEACH BY PUBLIC. 

MATERNAL SEPARATION. SI P14 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

OREGONWASHINGTON COAST 2018 8 11 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD PELLET/BULLET HOLES IN SKULL. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

SOUND 2018 8 11 HARASSMENT KITSAP WA SI 

PUBLIC REMOVED PUP FROM BEACH / WATER AND 

PLACED IT ON TOP OF PADDLEBOAT. IT DIED 2 DAYS DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2018 8 12 SHOOTING WHATCOM WA DEAD BULLET HOLE, BULLET NOT RECOVERED. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

OREGONWASHINGTON COAST 2018 8 21 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD 

HEAD SHATTERED, STRONGLY SUGGESTIVE OF A GUNSHOT 

WOUND. THE SEAL HAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION 

OTHERWISE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

SOUTHERN PUGET 

SOUND 2018 8 23 GILLNET FISHERY PIERCE WA DEAD 

LINEAR LACERATION ON BOTH EYES. INJURIES ARE 

CONSISTENT WITH FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT, EXCELLENT 

BODY CONDITION. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2018 8 24 GILLNET FISHERY KING WA DEAD 

FRESH DEAD CARCASS RECOVERED AND TRANSFERRED TO 

WDFW ON 8/26. EXAMINATION INDICATES FISHERIES 

INTERACTION WITH LACERATIONS TO EYES AND FACE. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

BAND OF HEMORRHAGING IN BLUBBER AND DEEP 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

MUSCLE AROUND NECK AND ON BACK NEAR RIGHT 

SOUTHERN PUGET SHOULDER BLADE. EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION. ACTIVE 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2018 8 25 GILLNET FISHERY THURSTON WA DEAD GILLNET FISHING IN AREA. LIKELY ENTANGLEMENT. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2018 8 25 GILLNET FISHERY KING WA DEAD 

DEAD ANIMAL COLLECTED AND TRANSFERRED TO WDFW 

ON 8/26. EXAMINATION INDICATED FISHERIES 

INTERACTION, I.E. LACERATIONS AND IMPRESSIONS OF DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

REPORTED FRESH DEAD ON BEACH. APPEARED TO HAVE A 

INJURY ON R PELVIS/ BACK AREA. SEVERELY FRACTURED 

PELVIS AND LEFT HIND FLIPPER SEVERE ENOUGH TO KILL 

SOUTHERN PUGET THIS ANIMAL. THE DEFINED LINEAR HEMORRHAGE IS 

HARBOR SEAL SOUND 2018 9 1 VESSEL STRIKE PIERCE WA DEAD CONSISTENT WITH BOAT PROPELLER INJURY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

THE SEAL HAD INGESTED A SMALL FISHING LURE WITH 

OREGON- HOOK AND LINE THAT PERFORATED THE INTESTINES 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 

WASHINGTON 

2018 9 14 HOOK & LINE FISHERY PACIFIC WA DEAD WHILE ANIMAL WAS ALIVE (HEMORRHAGE PRESENT). 

DEAD HARBOR SEAL PUP FOUND ON BEACH ENTANGLED 

DEAD NA 1 N Y 

NORTHERN INLAND IN GILL NET. NET SET FROM DRIFTWOOD ON BEACH TO 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2018 9 18 GILLNET FISHERY KING WA DEAD BUOY OFFSHORE IN COVE OFF PUBLIC ACCESS BEACH. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HARBOR SEAL 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

WATERS 2018 9 29 SHOOTING ISLAND WA DEAD GUNSHOT EVIDENCE FOUND DURING NECROPSY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WASHINGTON 

NORTHERN INLAND 

HARBOR SEAL WATERS 2018 9 30 GILLNET FISHERY WHATCOM WA DEAD HEAD CUT OFF. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

OREGON- OCCIPITAL AND PART OF PARIETAL SMASHED, 

HARBOR SEAL WASHINGTON COAST 2018 12 31 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD CONSISTENT WITH GUNSHOT WOUNDS. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CDFW DUNGENESS CRAB TRAP + 200 FT OF LINE; 

FISHERMEN SET GEAR IN MONTEREY BAY. RESPONSE 

EFFORT INITIATED ON 4-27 IN MONTEREY, SATELLITE TAG 

APPLIED TO WHALE TO ALLOW TRACKING. WEATHER DID 

NOT ALLOW FOR DISENTANGLEMENT EFFORT 

IMMEDIATELY AND WHALE WAS TRACKED TO SANTA 

BARBARA, WHERE ON 14 MAY IT IS COMPLETELY 

DISENTANGLED BY WHALE ENTANGLEMENT TEAM 

(=RESCUE). DEEP LACERATION IS NOTED ON CAUDAL 

PEDUNCLE AND IS APPARENT FROM PHOTOS. GEAR 

DESCRIBED AS WRAPPED TIGHTLY AND TWISTED AROUND 

FLUKES THREE TIMES (=MULTIPLE WRAPS). ANIMAL WAS 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY RESIGHTED IN JUNE 2014 IN MONTEREY AND INJURY WAS 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 4 27 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI NO LONGER CONSIDERED LIFE-THREATENING. NSI L2 0 Y N 

MULTIPLE WRAPS. CONSTRICTING GEAR OF MODERATE 

GAUGE, LIKELY BLUE STEEL LINE, AROUND BODY AND 

LIKELY AROUND RIGHT PECTORAL FLIPPER, SUCH THAT 

THE RIGHT FLIPPER IS PULLED LATERALLY AND UP 

TOWARDS THE SURFACE. NO GEAR OBSERVED TRAILING. 

ANIMAL ASSESSED BUT NO RESPONSE. POTENTIALLY LIFE 

THREATENING ENTANGLEMENT. DESCRIBED AS CRAB POT 

GEAR ON MARINELIFESTUDIES.ORG NARRATIVE. 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP CLASSIFIED AS 'L2' DUE TO DESCRIPTION OF GEAR BEING 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 5 1 FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT MONTEREY CA SI TIGHTLY WRAPPED AROUND ANIMAL. FINAL OUTCOME SI L2 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

SUCCESSFUL DISENTANGLEMENT OF WHALE BY CASCADIA 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

RESEARCH (=RESCUE). WHEN ENCOUNTERED, WHALE WAS 

IMMOBILIZED BY GEAR AROUND TAILSTOCK AND FLUKES 

(=ANCHORED). WHALE WAS DESCRIBED AS ONLY MOVING 

VERTICALLY IN THE WATER COLUMN, WITH LITTLE 

HORIZONTAL MOVEMENT. THE WHALE SWAM RAPIDLY 

AWAY AFTER DISENTANGLEMENT AND WAS NOT 

RESIGHTED. GEAR POSITIVELY-IDENTIFIED AS OREGON 

CRAB POT GEAR BY BUOY NUMBER. GEAR HAD BEEN SET 

50 MILES SOUTH OF WHERE WHALE WAS ENCOUNTERED 

APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK PRIOR. ANIMAL LIKELY TO 

HAVE RECOVERED BASED ON BEHAVIOR UPON RELEASE 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 5 6 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

(OREGON) GRAYS HARBOR WA SI 

AND RELATIVELY SHORT TIME SPAN OF ENTANGLEMENT (1 

WEEK). NSI L2 0 Y N 

DRAGGING SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF GEAR OFF PISMO 

BEACH; HEADING SLOWLY NORTH; POSSIBLY LIFE 

THREATENING; NO IMMEDIATE RESPONSE POSSIBLE DUE 

TO WEATHER. SEVERITY OF ENTANGLEMENT AND 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. FINAL OUTCOME SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 5 6 INTERACTION SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI (PRORATE) UNKNOWN. 

BLUE / GREEN POLYPROPYLENE LINE AND FIVE 

ASSOCIATED BULLET BUOYS FOUND ON A SEVERED PAIR 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

OF HUMPBACK FLUKES WEST OF SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND. 

PHOTOS AND SAMPLE TAKEN BY BIOLOGIST J. STAHL. 

NUMBERS ON BUOYS IDENTIFIED IT AS CALIFORNIA 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT GEAR SET IN THE FARALLONS AND 

HALF MOON BAY AREA IN MARCH/APRIL. TWO SETS OF 

GEAR ON SAME WHALE. SPECIES ID VIA GENETICS AT 

SWFSC. CONSTRICTING GEAR AND DEEP LACERATION 

CONFIRMED BASED ON RECOVERY OF SEVERED FLUKES. 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY DEAD WHALE FOUND ON JUNE 5TH 2014 OFF SAN 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 5 22 (CALIFORNIA) LOS ANGELES CA DEAD CLEMENTE APPARENTLY LINKED TO THIS RECORD. 

SPOT PRAWN TRAPS - ENTANGLED IN MIDDLE OF 10 TRAP 

DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SET WITH OVER 2,000 FEET OF GREEN AND BLACK 

POLYPROPYENE ROPE AND ANCHOR. ROPE ENCIRCLED 

MIDDLE OF WHALE A COUPLE OF TIMES (= MULTIPLE 

WRAPS) AND PINNED ONE OF THE WHALE'S PECTORAL 

FLIPPERS (= CONSTRICTING WRAP). FLUKES WERE 

IMMOBILIZED AS WELL (=ANCHORED). GEAR TYPE 

CONFIRMED BY BUOY NUMBERS AND FISHERMAN WHO 

WAS CONTACTED. GEAR HAD BEEN SET APPROX. 2 MILES 

FROM WHERE WHALE WAS FOUND. RESCUE EFFORT 

INITIATED, ANIMAL COMPLETELY DISENTANGLED AND 

SWAM TOWARDS SANTA CRUZ ISLAND. ASSUME THAT 

WHALE RECOVERED AS IT HAD BEEN FULLY RELEASED 

FROM GEAR AND SWAM AWAY. SOME DETAILS OF THIS 

ACCOUNT WERE TAKEN FROM THE CONDOR EXPRESS 

VESSEL WEBSITE: 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

CA-OR-WA 

CA-OR-WA 

2014 

2014 

6 

6 

5 

27 

CA SPOT PRAWN TRAP FISHERY 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

SANTA BARBARA 

SAN LUIS OBISPO 

CA 

CA 

SI 

DEAD 

http://condorexpress.com/blog/2014/06/08/entangledDEEP ENTANGLEMENT WOUNDS ON TAIL STOCK (= DEEP 

LACERATION; CONSTRICTING GEAR); DEAD STRANDING; 

NOT WHALE FROM 4/27/2014--CONFIRMED VIA PHOTO 

ID; GEAR DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE PRESENT ON CARCASS. 

NSI 

DEAD 

L2 

NA 

0 

1 

Y 

Y 

N 

Y 

ENTANGLED WITH SIGNIFICANT WRAPS OF LINE AND 

GEAR AROUND BODY. PHOTOS OF LARGE GAUGE ROPE 

CUTTING THROUGH PECTORAL FLIPPER AND WRAPPED 

AROUND BODY (=CONSTRICTING GEAR; =DEEP 

LACERATION). REPORTING PARTY APPROACHED THE 

WHALE IN AN ATTEMPT TO REMOVE GEAR, BUT WHALE 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY DOVE AND WAS NOT RESIGHTED. AMOUNT AND 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 7 19 INTERACTION SAN DIEGO CA SI CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. FINAL STATUS SI L2 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

WHALE SURFACED 30 FEET IN FRONT OF 57.8 FT 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSEL MOVING AT 7.5 KTS. 

VESSEL LARGER THAN WHALE. WHALE SLAPPED TAIL AND 

APPARENTLY STRUCK BOW. WHALE DESCRIBED AS 

UNINJURED, SUPERFICIAL DAMAGE ON VESSEL ABOVE 

WATERLINE. WHALE RESURFACED AND DOVE WITH NO 

APPARENT INJURY. LARGE WHALE CRITERIA L6C APPLIED 

FOR NON-SERIOUS INJURY AS VESSEL WAS MOVING <10 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 7 25 VESSEL STRIKE MONTEREY CA NSI KTS AND NO DISCERNABLE INJURY TO WHALE. NSI L6C 0 N N 

FRESHLY DEAD, SIGNS OF RECENT ENTANGLEMENT AT 

TAILSTOCK AND FLUKES: 3-5 LINES, TISSUE NECROTIC, 

CELLULITIS. NO LINES OR GEAR RECOVERED. PHOTOS SENT 

TO CA, NO MATCH TO RECENTLY DISENTANGLED WHALES. 

DID NOT MATCH WHALE DISENTANGLED OFF WA COAST 

EARLIER THIS YEAR. POSTMORTEM EVIDENCE OF 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY CONSTRICTING GEAR, DEEP LACERATION, AND MULTIPLE 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 8 16 INTERACTION GRAYS HARBOR WA DEAD WRAPS. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

DUNGENESS CRAB TRAP ATTACHED TO WHALE 

PERFORMING HEAD RAISES AND CHIN SLAPS; SELF 

RELEASE AFTER BOAT FENDER WAS ATTACHED AS MEANS 

OF RELOCATING ANIMAL, RESIGHTED GEAR FREE. 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 8 28 DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. NSI L3 0 Y N 

ENTANGLED HUMPBACK WHALE WITH TWO BULLET 

BUOYS TRAILING ORANGE AND YELLOW AND 10-20 FT OF 

LINE. ANIMAL LOST DUE TO BAD SEA STATE CONDITIONS; 

LIKELY TRAP; ENTANGLEMEN IS BELIEVED TO INVOLVE 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 9 12 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) 

PECTORAL FLIPPERS AND MOUTH. AMOUNT AND 

CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. FINAL OUTCOME 

ENTANGLED IN 25 TRAP SET FOR SPOT PRAWN. SOME 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

GEAR WAS REMOVED (=RESCUE) AND WHALE SHED REST 

OF GEAR AND SATELLITE PACKAGE. GEAR RETRIEVED BUT 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 9 13 CA SPOT PRAWN TRAP FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI 

SATELLITE PACKAGE LOST (=GEAR FREE). POSSIBLE 

RESIGHT OF WHALE SEEN PREVIOUS DAY? NSI L3 0 Y N 

SEEN BY NOAA BIOLOGIST (SB) DURING LEATHERBACK 

SURVEYS OFF SEAL ROCK AREA. WHALE TRAILING 3 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 9 19 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT LINCOLN OR SI (PRORATE) 

YELLOW BUOYS AND 150 OF LINE. ESTIMATED TRAVEL AT 

5 KTS. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR 

SPOT PRAWN TRAPS - ENTANGLED WITH 25 TRAP SET--

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

INITIALLY CUT OFF SOME GEAR (=RESCUE) BUT WHALE 

SHED REST OF GEAR AND SATELLITE PACKAGE LATER. 

GEAR RETRIEVED BUT SATELLITE PACKAGE LOST (=GEAR 

FREE). GEAR INVOLVED SAME VESSEL AS 9/13 

ENTANGLEMENT. VESSEL HAD SET GEAR IN CLOSE 

PROXIMITY AND BOTH GEAR SETS ENTANGLED DIFFERENT 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 9 20 CA SPOT PRAWN TRAP FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI WHALES WITHIN A WEEK. NSI L3 0 Y N 

SEEN BY NOAA BIOLOGIST (SB) DURING LEATHERBACK 

SURVEYS OFF LA PUSH, WA. WHALE TRAILING 3 YELLOW 

AND ONE RED BUOY MULTIPLE TRAILING LINES. NOT A 

RESIGHT OF WHALE SEEN PREVIOUS DAY BECAUSE 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 9 20 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT CLALLAM WA SI (PRORATE) 

DISTANCE COVERED (240 MILES) IS TOO GREAT. PHOTO 

AVAILABLE. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR 

UNKNOWN. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. 

FREE-SWIMMING ANIMAL; CARRYING BUOYS LIKELY SAME 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

SET FROM 9/20/14 THAT WAS SHED FROM OTHER 

ANIMAL. ASSUMED TO BE DIFFERENT ANIMAL BECAUSE 

OF LACK OF DETAIL ON RECORD. AMOUNT AND SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 9 21 CA SPOT PRAWN TRAP FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. FINAL STATUS (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

DEEP LACERATION ACROSS BACK BETWEEN BLOWHOLE 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

AND DORSAL FIN. LACERATION APPROXIMATELY 4 INCHES 

LONG AND 10 INCHES DEEP. MAINLY USING LEFT 

PECTORAL FLIPPER FOR MOBILITY, OCCASIONALLY FLUKES, 

NOT AT ALL WITH RIGHT PECTORAL FLIPPER. ASSUMPTION 

IS VESSEL STRIKE. DID NOT APPEAR TO BE TOO THIN, BUT 

IT WAS OBVIOUS THIS ANIMAL WAS UNABLE TO DIVE OR 

USE ITS RIGHT PECTORAL FLIPPER AND ONLY SOME 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 10 5 VESSEL STRIKE SAN DIEGO CA SI MOVEMENT FROM TAIL FLUKES. SI L5A 1 N Y 

A HUMPBACK WHALE WAS OBSERVED ENTANGLED DEAD 

IN SABLEFISH POT GEAR APPROX. 35 MILES W OF CANNON 

BEACH. THE ENTANGLEMENT OCCURRED IN 145 FATHOMS 

OF WATER AND THE WHALE WAS DISCOVERED WRAPPED 

IN THE GROUND LINE THREE POTS IN FROM THE END OF 

THE STRING. THE GROUND LINE IS REPORTED AS SINKING 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 10 11 

WA/OR/CA SABLEFISH POT 

FISHERY OFFSHORE OR DEAD 

TYPE (LEAD LINE) WHEN BROUGHT TO THE SURFACE THE 

OBSERVER ON BOARD REPORTED THERE WAS NO 

DISCERNABLE MOVEMENT. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL FIRST SIGHTED ALIVE OFF ORANGE COUNTY 

OCTOBER 3RD WITH HEALING DORSAL PROPELLOR 

WOUND AND LIMITED MOBILITY. SIGHTED ALIVE AGAIN 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 10 12 VESSEL STRIKE SAN DIEGO CA SI 

OFF OCEANSIDE OCT. 6 AND DEL MAR OCT. 7, 3/4 MILE 

OFFSHORE. MULTIPLE VERTEBRAL, RIB, SCAPULAR 

FRACTURES, AND HEMORRHAGE OBSERVED AT 

NECROPSY. DETAILS OF LACERATION / INJURY LACKING 

WHEN ANIMAL SEEN ALIVE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

WHALE ENTANGLED AROUND CAUDAL PEDUNCLE IN A 

WAVE RIDER BUOY THAT STOPPED TRANSMITTING ON 4 

OCTOBER. A TEAM WAS SENT TO CHECK ON BUOY FOUND 

THE ENTANGLED HUMPBACK WHALE IN BUOY LINES ON 

24 OCTOBER. WHALE WAS DESCRIBED AS 'WEAK' AND 

'STRUGGLING'. WHALE LICE (=CYAMIDS) WERE PRESENT 

AND THE CONDITION OF THE SKIN IMPLIED A HEALTH 

DECLINE. ENTANGLED IN BUNGEE BETWEEN 10 FT CHAIN 

AND LINE THAT RUNS TO 300 LB ANCHOR; VIDEO AND 

PHOTOS SHOWED SEVERE ENTANGLEMENT AND DEEP 

LACERATION AT CAUDAL PEDUNCLE WITH SUBSTANTIAL 

NECROTIC TISSUE. SUCCESSFULLY DISENTANGLED 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 10 24 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH MONTEREY CA SI 

10/29/14, BUT CONSIDERED A SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO 

CONSTRICTING NATURE OF GEAR, LENGTH OF TIME 

WHALE WAS ENTANGLED, NECROTIC CONDITION OF 

FLUKES, AND OVERALL POOR HEALTH OF WHALE. SI L2 1 N Y 

FREE-SWIMMING WHALE REPORTED AS ENTANGLED, 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 11 11 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) 

LIKELY CRAB POT. UNKNOWN CONFIGURATION AND 

AMOUNT OF GEAR. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. 

WHITE CIGAR BUOY ON LEFT SIDE OF WHALE BETWEEN 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

MOUTH AND PECTORAL FIN, BLUE STEEL LINE OBSERVED, 

ABRASIONS ON LEADING EDGE OF FLUKES. ANIMAL WAS 

SEEN FLUKING / DIVING BASED ON PHOTOS. NOTHING 

ELSE WAS VISIBLE OTHER THAN THE WHITE CIGAR BUOY. 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY PHOTOS REVIEWED. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 1 8 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) GEAR UNKNOWN. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY
 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 1 19 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE)
 

3 BUOYS TRAILING ABOUT 150 FT BEHIND THE WHALE
 

WITH POSSIBLE MOUTH/PECTORAL FIN ENTANGLEMENT.
 

CA DUNGNESS CRAB TIER 1 GEAR. WHALE WAS NOT
 

FLUKING SO COULDN'T SEE THE TAIL. DIVING. SWIMMING
 

ABOUT 5 KNOTS. WHALE SWIMMING AND DRAGGING 1ST
 

FLOAT UNDERWATER. COULDN'T SEE WHERE LINE 

ORIGINATED. FRESH ABRASIONS VISIBLE ON TOP OF 

PEDUNCLE AND BEHIND DORSAL INDICATING RECENT
 

MIGRATION OF THE GEAR FROM THE DORSAL FIN BACK
 

TO THE TAIL. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR
 

UNKNOWN. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN.
 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

1-2 INCH LINE WRAPPED OVER DORSAL SIDE OF WHALE 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

BETWEEN BLOWHOLE AND DORSAL FIN. ROPE IS FOULED 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY WITH KNOTS AND TWISTS; AMOUNT AND SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 2 16 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. FINAL OUTCOME (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

GEAR WAS SET NEAR MOSS LANDING ON 2/11; 

ENTANGLEMENT OCCURRED SOMETIME BETWEEN 2/11-

15TH; 2-3 ORANGE BOUYS TRAILING APPROX 10 FT 

BEHIND WHALE; POSSIBLE MOUTH/PECTORAL FLIPPER 

ENTANGLEMENT AS REPORTED BY RESPONDERS; 

CONVERSATION WITH FISHERMAN: 1 CRAB POT SET ON 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 300 FT OF LINE IN 173 FT OF WATER. CONFIGURATION SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 2 17 (RECREATIONAL) MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) AND AMOUNT OF GEAR UNKNOWN. FINAL STATUS 

SIGNIFICANT EVIDENCE OF A PREVIOUS ENTANGLEMENT 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

AND POSSIBLY MULTIPLE ENTANGLEMENTS ON A 

MODERATELY-DECOMPOSED STRANDING. LINE MARKS 

WERE OBSERVED AROUND THE PEDUNCLE AT THE LEVEL 

OF THE GENITAL SLIT, AT THE CRANIAL MARGIN OF THE 

RIGHT PECTORAL FIN, AND AT THE CAUDAL MARGIN OF 

THE RIGHT PECTORAL FIN. THERE WAS ALSO A MODERATE 

LINE MARK THAT RAN TRANSVERSALLY ACROSS THE 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY CENTRAL PLEATS AT THE LEVEL OF THE AXILLA. THESE 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 3 6 INTERACTION SANTA CRUZ CA DEAD WOUNDS WERE IN THE PROCESS OF HEALING. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

DEEPLY EMBEDDED LINE ON LEFT TAIL FLUKE (= 

CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT). HIGH CYAMID LOAD, 

EMACIATED WHALE, 10 METERS OF TRAILING LINE AND 2 

LARGE BULLET BUOYS. THIS RECORD WAS ADDED TO THE 

DATABASE IN 2017 AFTER RECEIPT FROM WHALE 

WATCHING CO. IN MEXICO. PHOTOS APPARENTLY 

AVAILABLE, BUT NOT REVIEWED. CONSIDERED A SERIOUS 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

INJURY UNDER CATEGORY L2 (CONSTRICTING GEAR) AND 

CONSIDERING POOR CONDITION OF WHALE. FISHERY 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 3 23 (CALIFORNIA) MEXICO MEXICO SI POSITIVELY-IDENTIFIED FROM TRAP TAG AND / OR BUOY 

ENTANGLEMENT SIGNIFICANTLY EMBEDDED, TIGHT WRAP 

SI L2 1 Y Y 

BUT TAIL IS FREE, COULDN'T SEE ANY GEAR IN THE 

MOUTH. CATEGORIZED AS L2 BECAUSE OF CONSTRICTING 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY WRAP. NO PHOTOS TO REVIEW. CONFIGURATION AND 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 3 26 INTERACTION SANTA CRUZ CA SI AMOUNT OF GEAR UNKNOWN. FINAL OUTCOME SI L2 1 Y Y 

LIMITED NECROPSY REVEALED HEMORRHAGING ON THE 

LEFT LATERAL SIDE AT END OF RIBS. FOUR PROCESSES OF 

LUMBAR VERTEBRAE WERE BROKEN BENEATH
 

HEMORRHAGING. GOOD BLUBBER THICKNESS AND BODY
 

CONDITION. EXTENSIVE PARASITES IN GI TRACT. CAS-ACCHUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 5 4 VESSEL STRIKE SAN MATEO CA DEAD 6993 DEAD NA 1 N Y
 

WHALE TOWING 2 YELLOW BUOYS (ONE WITH A SMALL 

WHITE BUOY ATTACHED AS EXTRA FLOTATION), ORANGE 

TRAP TAG PRESENT BUT UNREADABLE, BUOY NUMBER , 

PHOTOS AVAILABLE, CDFW DUNGENESS TIER 6 PERMIT. 

UNCERTAINTY REGARDING IF WHALE SELF-RELEASED 

FROM GEAR, NOT CONFIRMED, THUS TREATED AS AN L10 

SERIOUS INJURY BECAUSE GEAR CONFIGURATION AND 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY AMOUNT IS UNKNOWN. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 5 14 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. 

ANIMAL LIKELY HAS LINE THROUGH MOUTH AND TRAILS 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

TO EITHER SIDE TO LENGTH OF BODY. BOTH SIDES 

TERMINATED BY SPONGEX BUOYS (GREEN WITH RED TO 

ON ONE SIDE AND WHITE ON THE OTHER.). ANIMAL 

APPEARS IN GOOD CONDITION, FEEDING WITH OTHER 

ANIMALS. WHALE OBSERVED ACTIVELY FEEDING WITH 

OTHER ANIMALS. FEEDING ANIMAL IMPLIES THAT GEAR IS 

LOOSE, THUS L3 DETERMINATION MADE. FINAL OUTCOME 

UNKNOWN AS GEAR CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT IS 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY UNKNOWN, WITH POTENTIAL TO BECOME PROBLEMATIC. 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 5 16 (CALIFORNIA) SANTA BARBARA CA NSI PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. NSI L3 0 N N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

STATIONARY WHALE BREATHING AT SURFACE, 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

ASSOCIATED WITH BUOY WITH PARTIAL TAG NUMBER. 

WHALE APPARENTLY ANCHORED AS EVIDENCED BY LACK 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY OF MOVEMENT. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 5 24 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) UNKNOWN. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. NO PHOTOS. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

DISCOVERED 6/2/15 WHEN DANA WHARF SPORTFISHING 

EXAMINED 5/28 PHOTOS. AT LEAST ONE WRAP OF HEAVY 

GAUGE MONOFILAMENT LINE, LIKELY REPRESENTING 

LONGLINE GEAR, AROUND THE ANIMAL'S PEDUNCLE AND 

FLUKE. GEAR IS ALREADY DEEPLY EMBEDDED 

(=CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT) AND WOUNDS 

APPEAR FRESH. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR 

TRAILING UNKNOWN. SI DETERMINATION CRITERION L2 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY APPLIED AS THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT GEAR IS 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 5 28 INTERACTION ORANGE CA SI CONSTRICTING. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. PHOTOS SI L2 1 Y Y 

ENTANGLED WITH CRAB POT GEAR WHICH HAD BEEN 

LOST PREVIOUS YEAR. UNKNOWN DURATION OF 

ENTANGLEMENT, NO ASSUMPTION IS MADE THAT 

ENTANGLEMENT STARTED WHEN GEAR WAS LOST, AS 

GHOST GEAR IS ROUTINELY INVOLVED IN 

ENTANGLEMENTS AFTER LOSS. WHALE THRASHING 

AROUND IN RELATIVELY SHALLOW WATER. WHALE SELFRELEASED FROM GEAR AND/OR GEAR BROKE FREE ON 

ROCKS IN SHALLOW WATER. THE FISHERY WAS IDENTIFIED 

BY BUOY NUMBERS. TRAP AND ROPE REPORTED AS 

'EXTREMELY SHREDDED'. FISHERMAN CONFIRMED THAT 

ALL GEAR WAS RETRIEVED, THUS ASSIGNED A NONSERIOUS INJURY BASED ON THE SELF-RELEASE OF ANIMAL. 

RESPONSE TEAM INCLUDED K. FORNEY, WHO RETRIEVED 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY GEAR. PHOTOS OF WHALE NOT AVAILABLE. FINAL 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 6 9 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) OUTCOME UNKNOWN. GEAR PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. 

WHALE REPORTED AS FLOPPING AROUND IN NETTING 0.5 

NSI L3 0 Y N 

FROM SHORE. REPORT ALSO DETAILS A CRUSHED WHITE 

BUOY ASSOCIATED WITH THE SIGHTING. AMOUNT AND 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. FINAL OUTCOME SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 6 12 INTERACTION SANTA CRUZ CA SI (PRORATE) UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

REPORTED BY USCG. WHALE WITH BUOYS (ONE YELLOW, 

ONE WHITE) AND ROPE NEAR HEAD, ANOTHER BUOY 

NEAR FLUKES (NOT APPARENT IN PHOTOS). WHALE 

SHOWS RIDGE BETWEEN HEAD AND DORSAL FIN, 

INDICATING SOME EMACIATION AND APPARENT HEALTH 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY DECLINE. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 6 21 INTERACTION SANTA CRUZ CA SI UNKNOWN. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA AND A. SI L10 1 Y Y 

WHALE REPORTED SWIMMING IN CIRCLES OFF CAPITOLA 

WITH YELLOW AND ORANGE BUOYS NEAR HEAD. NO 

PHOTOS. FULL GEAR CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. LACK 

OF ORANGE BUOY(S) REPORTED FROM PREVIOUS-DAY 

WHALE IS EVIDENCE THAT THIS IS A UNIQUE CASE. 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR AND FINAL SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 6 22 INTERACTION SANTA CRUZ CA SI (PRORATE) OUTCOME UNKNOWN. 

WHALE INITIALLY PHOTOGRAPHED ON 6/25 TRAILING 

THREE BUOYS AND APPROX. 125 FT. OF ROPE. DEEP 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

LACERATIONS ON CAUDAL PEDUNCLE AND FLUKE / TAIL 

STOCK INTERSECTION, APPEARED TO BE FRESH WOUNDS. 

WHALE SUBSEQUENTLY PHOTOGRAPHED ON 7/16, STILL 

TRAILING GEAR. WHALE APPARENTLY SELF-RELEASED 

FROM GEAR AFTER SATELLITE PACKAGE WAS ATTACHED 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

TO GEAR. GEAR WAS RECOVERED ON 7/24 AND 

IDENTIFIED AS DUNGENESS CRAB POT GEAR. AMOUNT 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 6 25 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. PHOTOS NSI L2 0 Y N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

WEST SIDE OF VANCOUVER ISLAND NEAR CAPE BEALE. 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

REPORTED ENTANGLED IN ORANGE BUOYS AND LINE. 

WHALE LAST SEEN ENTANGLED. AMOUNT AND 

CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. FISHERY SOURCE 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY VANCOUVER BRITISH 

CONFIRMED FROM PHOTOS OF TRAP TAG AND / OR BUOY 

NUMBERS. RECORD ADDED TO DATABASE IN 2017 AFTER SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 6 27 (WASHINGTON) ISLAND COLUMBIA SI (PRORATE) RECEIPT FROM DFO CANADA. FINAL OUTCOME (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWED CIRCUMFERENTIAL 

CONSTRICTING INJURY BEHIND BLOW HOLE. ROPES 

EXTENDED THROUGH THE MOUTH AND RAN TIGHTLY 

OVER ITS BACK DEFORMING THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HEAD, 

AND WOUND AROUND ITS RIGHT FLIPPER, TRAILING A 

TANGLE OF LINES AND PINK BUOYS. FISHERMAN 

CONFIRMED GEAR WAS SET OFF CAPE MEARES, OREGON 

IN DECEMBER (OREGON FISHERY). RESCUE RESPONSE 

EFFORT RESULTED IN THE REMOVAL OF ALL GEAR EXCEPT 

FOR A SMALL AMOUNT OF EMBEDDED LINE LEFT BEHIND 

EXPECTED TO BE SHED BY ANIMAL AS IT HEALS. 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 7 3 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

(OREGON) MONTEREY CA SI 

CATEGORIZED AS L3 / NSI BECAUSE OF GEAR REMOVAL 

AND PROGNOSIS FOR SURVIVAL. FINAL OUTCOME 

THE ENTANGLEMENT IS DESCRIBED AS EXTENSIVE 

NSI L2 0 Y N 

AROUND THE BODY WITH BOTH MESH AND LINE. MESH 

TYPE UNKNOWN. NO DIRECTION OF TRAVEL, WHALE 

APPEARS STATIONARY, POSSIBLY ANCHORED. NO PHOTOS. 

AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR AND FINAL SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 7 7 GILLNET FISHERY CLALLAM WA SI (PRORATE) OUTCOME UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

4 ORANGE AND WHITE BULLET BUOYS DESCRIBED AS 

CRAB BUOYS BEING TRAILED APPROX. 30 FT. BEHIND 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP ANIMAL. NO PHOTOS. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 7 12 FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT MENDOCINO CA SI (PRORATE) GEAR AND FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

HUMPBACK TRAILING MULTIPLE BLACK AND WHITE 

BUOYS, MULTIPLE BODY LENGTHS BEHIND WHALE. 

AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR AND FINAL 

OUTCOME UNKNOWN. BUOY COLORS DIFFER FROM 7/12 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY SIGHTING IN SAME AREA, NOT A RESIGHT. PHOTOS SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 7 13 INTERACTION MENDOCINO CA SI (PRORATE) REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

AT LEAST 2 ORANGE/PINK BUOYS FOULED TRAILING CLOSE 

BEHIND THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ANIMAL -

ENTANGLEMENT APPEARS TO BE FORWARD OF THE 

PEDUNCLE. KELP APPEARS TO BE ALSO WRAPPED UP IN 

THE ENTANGLEMENT BUT ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE 

WHALE. ANIMAL REPORTED TO BE FEEDING AND 

SWIMMING NORMALLY. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY OF GEAR UNKNOWN AND POTENTIAL FOR SERIOUS SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 7 19 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) INJURY EXISTS OVER TIME. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP
 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 8 10 FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE)
 

AT LEAST 2 RED / WHITE BUOYS BEING TRAILED BY WHALE,
 

ABRASIONS ON LEADING EDGE OF FLUKES.
 

CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT OF GEAR IS UNKNOWN. A 

TELEMETRY BUOY WAS ATTACHED TO GEAR AND THE
 

WHALE WAS TRACKED TRAVELING TO NEAR THE
 

U.S./MEXICO BORDER BY 8/14 AND THEN WAS LAST
 

DETECTED AGAIN ON 9/4 FAR OFFSHORE OF MONTEREY
 

BAY BEFORE TRANSMISSIONS FAILED. THE WHALE WAS 

NOT VISUALLY RELOCATED DURING THIS TIME. FINAL
 

OUTCOME UNKNOWN. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J.
 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

TRAILING TWO ORANGE TORPEDO BUOYS APPROX. 100 

FT. BEHIND ANIMAL WITH GREEN/BLUE LINE/ROPE. GEAR 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY NOT VISIBLE AND CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT OF SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 8 26 INTERACTION VENTURA CA SI (PRORATE) GEAR UNKNOWN. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

REPORTED BY FREE DIVER. 1/2 INCH YELLOW LINE 

WRAPPED AROUND BODY IN FRONT OF PECTORAL FLIPPER 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

AND YELLOW/WHITE BUOY ATTACHED SITTING ON THE 

BACK, 25 FEET OF TRAILING LINE, NO PHOTOS. FULL GEAR SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 9 10 INTERACTION ORANGE CA SI (PRORATE) CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

NO TRAILING BUOYS, BLUE ROPE BEHIND DORSAL 

AROUND BODY IN FRONT OF FLUKES, SWIMMING WITH 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY ANOTHER WHALE. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 9 14 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) GEAR UNKNOWN. NO PHOTOS. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

AN ARTICULATED TUG AND BARGE REPORTING STRIKING 

A HUMPBACK WHALE OF UNKNOWN SIZE IN THE 

COLUMBIA RIVER. THE ANIMAL WAS SIGHTED 

IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COLLISION AND ROLLED OVER. 

COLUMBIA RIVER BAR PILOTS FLEW OVER THE AREA WITH 

THEIR HELICOPTER AND STATED THE WHALE WAS 

SWIMMING AROUND NORMALLY. NO DATA ON VESSEL 

SIZE AND SPEED. BASED ON OTHER ARTICULATED 

TUGBOAT / BARGE SIZES, IT IS ASSUMED THE VESSEL WAS SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 9 24 VESSEL STRIKE CLATSOP OR SI (PRORATE) MUCH LARGER THAN THE WHALE (VESSEL SIZE > 65 FT). (PRORATE) L7A 0.56 N Y 

OREGON DUNGENESS CRAB GEAR (2 SETS OF GEAR WITH 

250 FT. OF LINE). ORANGE / RED BUOYS WITH LINE 

LACERATING INSERTION POINT OF PECTORAL FLIPPER 

(=CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT). PHOTOS SHOW AN 

OPEN WOUND AT BASE OF PECTORAL FLIPPER. 10/31 

RESCUE EFFORT RESULTED IN A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF 

GEAR BEING REMOVED. REMAINING GEAR CONSISTED OF 

A SINGLE PASS OF GEAR THROUGH THE MOUTH, WHICH 

WILL PROBABLY BE SHED BY ANIMAL. NON-SERIOUS 

INJURY AS A RESULT OF RESCUE EFFORT TO REMOVE 

CONSTRICTING GEAR. UPDATED INFORMATION MADE 

AVAILABLE IN 2017 INCLUDED A POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION 

OF SOURCE FISHERY FROM TRAP TAG AND BUOY 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY NUMBERS. GEAR ORIGINALLY SET JUST NORTH OF 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 9 25 (OREGON) SANTA BARBARA CA SI CALIFORNIA / OREGON BORDER. FINAL OUTCOME NSI L2 0 Y N 

WHALE SEEN WITH GREEN 55 GALLON DRUM OR RUBBER 

DOCK FENDER AND LINE WRAPPED AROUND HEAD, 

BETWEEN PECTORAL FLIPPERS AND BLOWHOLE. DRUM IS 

ABOVE WATER WHEN WHALE SURFACES AND LINE WRAPS 

COMPLETELY AROUND ANIMAL LIKE A BRIDLE. MULTIPLE 

SIGHTINGS OF WHALE FROM SEPTEMBER TO NOVEMBER. 

UNDERWATER AND ABOVE-WATER PHOTOS OF WHALE 

SHOW A VERY EMACIATED ANIMAL. SERIOUS INJURY 

WITH CONSTRICTING GEAR AND POOR ANIMAL 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY CONDITION. HEALTH DECLINE. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 9 26 INTERACTION ORANGE CA SI CARRETTA AND J. BARLOW. SI L2 1 Y Y 

GILLNET WRAPPED AROUND AND COVERING MOST OF 

TAIL WITH LINE AND NETTING TRAILING 40 FEET BEHIND 

WHALE ; BLUE (LEAD) AND WHITE (FLOAT) LINES AND 

NETTING BETWEEN. NO PHOTOS, UNKNOWN GEAR SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 9 27 GILLNET FISHERY VENTURA CA SI (PRORATE) CONFIGURATION OR AMOUNT. 

YELLOW POLY ROPE WRAPPED AROUND CAUDAL 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

PEDUNCLE, 20-30 FEET OF LINE TRAILING, 1 SMALLER 

WHITE FOAM BUOY CLOSER TO FLUKE; ONE 

YELLOW/WHILE FLOAT WITH DUNGENSSS CRAB TRAP TAG 

BUOY TIER 4 CA ON LINE TOWARDS THE END OF THE LINE. 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 9 29 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

(CALIFORNIA) ORANGE CA SI (PRORATE) 

NO PHOTOS / VIDEO TO EXAMINE. GEAR CONFIGURATION 

AND AMOUNT UNKNOWN. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 
 

 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

LARGE MASS OF BLUE GILLNET THROUGH MOUTH AND 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

AROUND HEAD AND RIGHT PECTORAL FLIPPER. NET 

APPEARS TO PIN PECTORAL FIN TO BODY. ANIMAL 

BREACHING. NET CUTTING INTO ROSTRUM AND 

ABRASIONS ON LEADING EDGES OF FLUKES. 

CONSTRICTING NATURE OF GILLNET WARRANTS AN L2 

SERIOUS INJURY DESIGNATION. ANIMAL WAS RESIGHTED 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 10 17 GILLNET FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI 

ON 10/31 IN ORANGE COUNTY, STILL ENTANGLED WITH 

PECTORAL FLIPPER PINNED TO BODY (=CONSTRICTING 

ENTANGLEMENT). PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA 

AND A. HENRY. PHOTO MATCHES ARE CONCLUSIVE. FINAL SI L2 1 Y Y 

CIRCUMFERENTIAL, CONSTRICTING INJURY BEHIND HEAD, 

MATERIAL NOT IDENTIFIED. ANIMAL APPEARS EMACIATED 

AND PERHAPS DEFORMED IN REGION OF INJURY. 

ATTACHED MATERIAL MAY BE LIMITING ABILITY TO FEED. 

HEALTH DECLINE AND CONSTRICTING NATURE OF INJURY 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY WARRANTS AN L2 SERIOUS INJURY DESIGNATION. 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 10 17 INTERACTION ORANGE CA SI PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA, D. WELLER, AND A. SI L2 1 Y Y 

BLUE / GREEN ROPE WRAPPED AROUND HEAD AND 

TAILSTOCK OF ANIMAL. ROPE POSSIBLY GOES THROUGH 

MOUTH. NO TRAILING BUOYS. AMOUNT AND 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. FINAL OUTCOME SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 10 23 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) UNKNOWN. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. 

EXCELLENT UNDERWATER VIDEO SHOWS HEALTHY WHALE 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

WITH LINE WRAPPED TIGHTLY AROUND FLUKES. ANIMAL 

IS TOWING A POT/TRAP WITH APPROXIMATELY 175 FT OF 

LINE AND 2 WHITE BUOYS WITH BLACK AND BLUE 

NUMBERS. TRAP HAS CEMENT BLOCKS INSIDE. WHALE 

DISENTANGLED COMPLETELY AND GEAR RECOVERED 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 10 25 LOBSTER TRAP ENTANGLEMENT SAN DIEGO CA SI 

(=RESCUE). FISHERY POSITIVELY IDENTIFIED AS CA 

LOBSTER TRAP. GEAR WAS SET IN LA JOLLA AREA. VIDEO NSI L3 0 Y N 

REPORTED AS BLUE LINE AROUND PEDUNCLE AND 

TRAILING 2 WHITE BUOYS; PHOTOS CONFIRM 

ENTANGLEMENT, BUT PHOTO QUALITY IS POOR AND 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY GEAR CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT IS UNKNOWN. SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 11 7 INTERACTION SAN DIEGO CA SI (PRORATE) PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

REMNANT OF PREVIOUS ENTANGLEMENT WITH PIECE OF 

LINE OF UNKNOWN LENGTH ON DORSAL FIN; LINE 

FRAGMENT? POSSIBLY EMBEDDED IN DORSAL FIN OR 

ATTACHED ON BARNACLE ANTERIOR TO DORSAL FIN; 

ANIMAL DOES HAVE INDICATIONS OF PREVIOUS 

ENTANGLEMENT ON FLUKE (SEE PHOTOS); LINE 

DESCRIBED AS YELLOW "NYLON" - APPEARS TO BE 

MULTISTRAND TWISTED LINE. ENTANGLEMENT APPEARS 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY TO BE LOOSE AND DRAPED OVER DORSAL FIN, WHALE 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2015 11 8 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA NSI LOOKS HEALTHY. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA AND NSI L3 0 N N 

WHALE SWIMMING SLOWLY, RAISING PECTORAL FINS 

OUT OF WATER, 41 NMI SW OF PT. REYES. ONE YELLOW 

FLOAT/BUOY ATTACHED TO ROPE BEING PULLED BY 

WHALE, POSITION OF FLOAT CLOSE TO THE TAIL FLUKE, 

REPORTING PARTY BELIEVE CAUGHT ON/IN PECTORAL OR 

MOUTH. NO MARKINGS ON BUOY OR FOULING. 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY REPORTED BY NOAA VESSEL REUBEN LASKER. NO PHOTOS SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 1 27 INTERACTION MARIN CA SI (PRORATE) AVAILABLE. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR 

SINGLE LINE / ROPE RUNNING BACK FROM 

ROSTRUM/MOUTH AREA, RUNNING BACK ON LEFT SIDE 

OF BLOWHOLES AND DOWN LEFT SIDE OF BODY. 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

SWIMMING AND DIVING BUT NOT SEEN FLUKING. NEAR 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY TRUMP GOLF COURSE OFF PALO VERDES, PHOTOS SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 2 4 INTERACTION LOS ANGELES CA SI (PRORATE) AVAILABLE. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

REPORTED BY USCG 2.5 MI WEST OF SCRIPPS PIER. 2 TO 3 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

WRAPS OF TWISTED 5/16 INCH NYLON LINE AROUND 

CAUDAL PEDUNCLE (= MULTIPLE WRAPS). WHALE 

SOMEWHAT ANCHORED, WAS FLUKING BEFORE, DURING, 

AND AFTER INTERVENTION. QUICKLY SWAM NORTH AFTER 

RELEASED FROM GEAR (=RESCUE). TEAM OBSERVED THE 

ANIMAL FORMING A C SHAPE WITH ITS BODY, 

SUGGESTING SOMETHING WAS GOING ON WITH THE 

HEAD. FISHERY AND GEAR IDENTIFIED BY TAG NUMBER 

AND INTERVIEW WITH FISHERMAN. WHALE 

DISENTANGLEMENT TEAM WAS ABLE TO CUT 

GROUNDING LINE AND FREE ANIMAL, WHICH 

IMMEDIATELY PICKED UP SPEED AND SWAM OFF. GEAR 

HAD BEEN SET NEAR LA JOLLA ON 2/20/2016, THE DAY 

PRIOR TO THE ENTANGLEMENT, WITH 25 TRAPS OF 8-10 

LBS EACH AND 1/2 MILE OF LINE. NO CONFIRMATION 

THAT ALL GEAR HAS BEEN REMOVED. FULL SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 2 21 CA SPOT PRAWN TRAP FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA SI (PRORATE) CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN BEFORE AND AFTER (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 3 4 CA SPOT PRAWN TRAP FISHERY ORANGE CA SI
 

GEAR CONFIRMED FROM BUOY NUMBER. GEAR WAS SET
 

SAME DAY AND PHOTOS / VIDEO EXIST OF WHALE SELFRELEASING FROM GEAR. FISHERMAN CONTACTED,
 

DESCRIBED GEAR AS 12 POTS ON A STRING OF 5/16 INCH
 

LINE, WITH 100 FT OF LINE BETWEEN POTS. SIGHTING
 

INCLUDED 1 BUOY AND UNKNOWN AMOUNT OF LINE
 

ATTACHED TO FLUKE. VERY ACTIVE ANIMAL, DESCRIBED
 

AS AGITATED, FLUKE SLAPPING AND BREACHING. WHALE
 

SUCCESSFULLY SHED GEAR. 2.5 MILES OFF DANA POINT.
 

ORIGINAL CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT OF GEAR 

UNKNOWN. NSI L10 0 Y N 

WHALE WAS SIGHTED ON 3/4 BY COAST GUARD, THEN
 

3/5/2016 BY DIVER 9.3 NM WEST OF POINT LOMA. LINEAR
 

SCARS ON LEADING EDGE OF FLUKES AND CAUDAL
 

PEDUNCLE INDICATE THIS WHALE WAS ENTANGLED IN
 

THE PAST, BUT WAS NOT LIKELY THE CAUSE OF DEATH.
 

FRACTURED INTERVERTEBRAL DISK AND SCAPULA WITH
 

ASSOCIATED HEMORRHAGE IN BLUBBER AND MUSCLE
 

INDICATES TRAUMA, POSSIBLY ATTRIBUTED TO A VESSEL
 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 3 4 VESSEL STRIKE SAN DIEGO CA DEAD STRIKE. DEAD NA 1 N Y
 

WHALE APPEARS TO BE ANCHORED IN 10 TOTAL BUOYS 

AND BLUE STEEL LINE; 3 ORANGE BULLET BUOYS, 1 LARGE 

WHITE BULLET BUOY, 3 RED/ORANGE BULLET BUOYS, 1 

DARK RED BULLET BUOY, 1 DOUBLE ORANGE BULLET 

BUOY AND 1 PURPLE CA DUNGENESS CRAB TAG. GEAR 

ORIGINATED FROM MOSS LANDING. SECOND BUOY 

NUMBER WAS ALSO NOTED FROM A PHOTO. A SEARCH 

EFFORT FOR THE WHALE WAS INITIATED, BUT THE WHALE 

WAS NOT RELOCATED. FISHING GEAR WAS APPARENTLY 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY DEPLOYED IN AREA AT THE END OF MARCH. GEAR 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 4 11 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT UNKNOWN. FINAL SI L2 1 Y Y 

3 BLACK AND WHITE BUOYS AND ROPE AROUND
 

TAILSTOCK. GEAR CONFIRMED AS CA DUNGENESS CRAB
 

FROM TAG/BUOY NUMBER. GEAR HAD BEEN SET IN SAN
 

MATEO COUNTY. ANIMAL SEEN LAST ON JUNE 4TH IN 

MONTEREY BAY, EMACIATED AND HEAVILY SCARRED, 

APPARENTLY SHED GEAR FROM TAILSTOCK, BUT 

UNKNOWN IF GEAR REMAINED ON PECTORAL FLIPPERS. 

LINE SEEN DEEPLY EMBEDDED IN TAILSTOCK ON 2 

OCCASIONS, WITH MANY CYAMIDS DEEP IN WOUNDS. 

DETERIORATING CONDITION OF ANIMAL WARRANTS 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY SERIOUS INJURY UNDER CATEGORY L10, CONSIDERING 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 4 16 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI CONSTRICTING NATURE OF ENTANGLEMENT, BUT SI L2 1 Y Y 
 

 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

REPORTED AS ROPE AND 2 BUOYS (ONE WHITE, ONE 

ORANGE) ENTANGLING WHALE'S CAUDAL PEDUNCLE. 

WHALE NOT RELOCATED. GEAR CONFIGURATION AND 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

SI 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 4 18 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) AMOUNT UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

CA-OR-WA 

CA-OR-WA 

2016 

2016 

4 

4 

20 

20 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

(CALIFORNIA) 

WA/OR/CA SABLEFISH POT 

FISHERY 

MONTEREY 

HUMBOLDT 

CA 

CA 

SI (PRORATE) 

SI (PRORATE) 

WHALE ENTANGLED AROUND BODY (2 WRAPS = MULTIPLE 

WRAPS), BOTH PECTORCAL FINS, AND MOUTH. TANDEM 

ORANGE AND PINK BULLET BUOYS, PLUS 1 DARK ORANGE 

OR RED BULLET BUOY ATTACHED TO BLUE OR GREEN 

POLYLINE. FISHERY POSITIVELY-IDENTIFIED AS CA 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FROM BUOY TAG. ONE BUOY WAS 

BEING TRAILED 100 YARDS BEHIND WHALE. GEAR HAD 

BEEN SET ON MARCH 29, 2016 IN SAME AREA. WHALE 

DISENTANGLEMENT TEAM WAS ABLE TO ATTACH 

TELEMETRY PACKAGE TO WHALE AND RETURN ON 

4/21/2016 TO FULLY DISENTANGLE WHALE (=RESCUE). 

FISHERY OBSERVER REPORTED ENTANGLEMENT WITH 

SABLEFISH GEAR 20 MILES OFFSHORE, 30 MILES SOUTH OF 

CRESCENT CITY. NARRATIVE INCLUDES DESCRIPTION OF 2 

PINK BUOYS AND 200 FEET OF LINE. WHALE WAS 

DISENTANGLED BY FISHING VESSEL WITH OBSERVER 

ONBOARD. UNKNOWN IF FULLY DISENTANGLED, THUS 

ASSIGNED AS A PRORATED SERIOUS INJURY. NEED 

ADDITIONAL INFO FROM OBSERVER PROGRAM. GEAR 

CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT UNKNOWN. 

NSI 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

L10 

L10 

0 

0.75 

Y 

Y 

N 

Y 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

CA-OR-WA 

CA-OR-WA 

2016 

2016 

4 

5 

20 

8 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

(CALIFORNIA) 

MONTEREY 

MONTEREY 

CA 

CA 

SI (PRORATE) 

SI (PRORATE) 

THRASHING WHALE SEEN AT DISTANCE WITH TWO BUOYS 

AND 6-8 CAUDAL PEDUNCLE WRAPS, NOT RESIGHTED. 

CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT OF GEAR UNKNOWN. 

MULTIPLE WRAPS. PHOTOS. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. 

SWIMMING WHALE WITH TWO BUOYS, ONE ORANGE 

AND ONE RED WITH DUNGENESS CRAB TAG, ON LEFT SIDE 

OF BODY, ORANGE COLORED LINE. POSSIBLE LEFT 

PECTORAL WRAP, FLOAT AND LINE DRAPED OVER BODY. 

ANIMAL APPARENTLY SELF-RELEASED FROM GEAR WAS 

SEEN SWIMMING GEAR-FREE BY FAST RAFT TEAM. GEAR 

ORIGINALLY SET IN MONTEREY BAY AREA IN LATE MARCH. 

AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

NSI 

L10 

L10 

0.75 

0 

Y 

Y 

Y 

N 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 5 10 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

(CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) 

ENTANGLED WHALE SWIMMING SOUTH, LUNGING AT 

SURFACE. BUOY, HEAVY LINE FROM A CRAB POT SYSTEM 

WRAPPED AROUND BOTH SIDES OF THE WHALE'S FLUKES. 

WHALE DISENTANLGEMENT TEAM INTERVENED AND WAS 

ABLE TO PHOTOGRAPH WHALE AND RETRIEVE 

ENTANGLING GEAR (=RESCUE). ANIMAL LAST SEEN ALIVE, 

FREE OF GEAR, IN GOOD BODY CONDITION. NSI L3 0 Y N 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 5 12 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

(CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) 

GREEN AND ORANGE LINES OVER BODY AND FLUKES. 2 

BUOYS ASSOCIATED WITH GEAR. LAST SEEN ALIVE, LIKELY 

WITH REMAINING TRAILING GEAR. GEAR WAS POSITIVELYIDENTIFIED AND MATCHED GEAR THAT WAS INVOLVED IN 

APRIL 11, 2016 ENTANGLEMENT IN SAME AREA. ABOUT 50 

FT OF LINE AND A RED BUOY WAS REMOVED BY THE 

REPORTING PARTY AND THEN THE WHALE DOVE AND 

SWAM OFF. LINE WAS STILL VISIBLE AROUND THE TAIL, IN 

ADDITION TO AN ORANGE BUOY. FINAL GEAR 

CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT UNKNOWN. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 
 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

ALERT WHALE WITH GOOD BODY CONDITION WAS 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

ENTANGLED IN VERTICAL LINE, HIGH ON THE TAIL STOCK 

WITH SABLEFISH POT/TRAP GEAR AND THREE POLY BALLS 

(ONE ORANGE, ONE BLUE, AND ONE WHITE) AND A HIGH 

FLYER (20 FT, ALUMINUM POLE WITH FLAG AND PHOTO 

SENSITIVE LIGHT WITH 3/4" LINE. WHALE WAS DESCRIBED 

AS SOMETIMES BEING VERTICAL IN THE WATER WHEN 

SURFACING TO BREATHE. EVIDENCE THAT THE WHALE 

WAS ANCHORED IN PLACE. PHOTO EVIDENCE SUGGESTS 

THE GEAR WAS ~ 40 FEET BEHIND THE WHALE. 

DISENTANGLEMENT EFFORT BY CREW OF FISHING VESSEL. 

SOME GEAR REMAINED ON ANIMAL AFTER 

DISENTANGLEMENT EFFORT (=RESCUE). WHALE 

DESCRIBED AS SWIMMING OFF QUICKLY AFTER SOME 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 5 17 

WA/OR/CA SABLEFISH POT 

FISHERY LINCOLN OR SI 

GEAR WAS REMOVED. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF 

GEAR UNKNOWN. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

WHALE BOBBING NEAR SURFACE, 2 YELLOW BUOYS 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY ASSOCIATED. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 5 17 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) UNKNOWN. 

BLUE LINE COMING OUT OF THE RIGHT CORNER OF 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

MOUTH, DOWN RIGHT SIDE OF BODY, 4 BUOYS TOTAL; 

RESIGHTING COMMENT: 100 FEET OF BLUE LINE, 3/4 TO 1 

INCH LINE, TRAILING BEHIND WHALE, BELIEVED TO 

ORIGINATE FROM MOUTH; 4 BUOYS, 3 ORANGE, 1 WHITE; 

PURPLE TAG OF UNKNOWN SHAPE NOTED FROM PHOTOS 

ON BUOY. BREACHING AND PECTORAL FIN SLAPPING, 

SUBMERGING ALL GEAR WHEN DIVING. GEAR 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT UNKNOWN. WHALE SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 5 22 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) RESIGHTED ON 5/24, STILL ENTANGLED. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY
 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 5 22 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE)
 

WHALE TRAILING 2 BUOYS (1 ORANGE, 1 GREEN AND
 

WHITE) APPROX. 10 FT. BEHIND FLUKES. ENTANGLEMENT
 

BELIEVED TO INVOLVE FLUKES BUT COULD NOT BE
 

CONFIRMED. WHALE WAS TRAVELING SLOWLY AND DID
 

NOT SHOW FLUKES WHEN DIVING, BUT ALL VISIBLE GEAR
 

WAS SUBMERGED WHEN WHALE DOVE. BUOYS 

DESCRIBED BY REPORTING PARTY AS CRAB POT BUOYS, 

BUT THE IDENTITY OF THE FISHERY COULD NOT BE 

CONFIRMED. NO PHOTOS. AMOUNT AND 

CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

WHALE WITH RED / ORANGE BUOY BEING TRAILED 10 FT. 

BEHIND. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 5 27 INTERACTION SAN MATEO CA SI (PRORATE) UNKNOWN. 

FISHING VESSEL OFF BODEGA BAY REPORTED WHALE 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

ENTANGLED WITH THREE BUOYS CLOSE TO BODY AND 

TAIL. WHALE RESIGHTED 4 DAYS LATER IN SAME VICINITY 

AT THE SURFACE, NOT DIVING UNTIL A VESSEL 

APPROACHED. WHALE DRAGGED BUOYS UNDERWATER 

UPON DIVING. WHALE WAS SEEN AGAIN OFF SAN DIEGO 

ON 7/2/2016 AND 7/3/2016, STILL ENTANGLED AND 

SPYHOPPING, TOWING 60-70 FT OF LINE, PLUS BUOYS. 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 6 1 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

(CALIFORNIA) SONOMA CA SI (PRORATE) 

CONFIRMED DUNGENESS CRAB POT TRAP (CA) FROM 

PHOTOS. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

WHALE OFF SANTA CRUZ ISLAND, FEEDING WITH OTHER 

WHALES, REPORTED TO BE DRAGGING 3 BUOYS. AMOUNT 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY AND CONFIGURTION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. PHOTOS SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 6 1 INTERACTION SANTA BARBARA CA SI (PRORATE) APPARENTLY TAKEN. 

WHALE-WATCHING VESSEL REPORTED WHALE WITH BLUE 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

LINE (MULTIPLE WRAPS) BEHIND BLOWHOLE AND BEHIND 

DORSAL, 2 YELLOW BULLET BUOYS ON RIGHT SIDE. 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 6 2 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) PHOTOS TAKEN, INCLUDING FLUKE-ID. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

TIGHT MULTIPLE WRAPS AT BASE OF LEFT PECTORAL 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

FLIPPER, LINE HANGING DOWN TO TRAP (NOT SEEN), 2 

BUOYS: 1 CLOSE TO TIGHT WRAP (WITH DUNGENESS CRAB 

BUOY TAG POSITIVELY-IDENTIFIED, AS SEEN ON VIDEO, 

SECOND BUOY ~5 FEET ABOVE (TRAILER BUOY) ; LINE SCAR 

BY DORSAL FIN. FASTRAFT TEAM WAS ABLE TO ASSESS 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

ANIMAL AND TAKE VIDEO / PHOTOS. DESIGNATED L2 

SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO CONSTRICTING WRAPS. FINAL 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 6 4 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI L2 1 Y Y 

REPORT FROM PERSON IN KAYAK WHO ENCOUNTERED 

WHALE TRAILING ORANGE AND WHITE BUOY 10 FEET 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY BEHIND WHALE. BUOY SUBMERGED WHEN WHALE DOVE. SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 6 8 INTERACTION SANTA CRUZ CA SI (PRORATE) AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. 

GREEN MONOFILAMENT NETTING, RIGHT SIDE OF 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

MOUTH, DRAPED OVER BODY, SOMETIMES OVER DORSAL 

FIN. NET EXITING MOUTH AND TRAILING. ANIMAL 

BREACHING. ANIMAL IN APPARENT GOOD HEALTH WITH 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 6 9 GILLNET FISHERY MONTEREY CA NSI MINIMAL AMOUNT OF GEAR. FINAL OUTCOME NSI L3 0 N N 

LINE DEEPLY EMBEDDED IN TAILSTOCK, TRAILING 3 

BUOYS. THE ANIMAL HAD SIGNIFICANT SCARRING 

AROUND THE TAIL STOCK AND ROPE INJURIES ON THE 

ANTERIOR EDGES OF BOTH SIDES OF THE FLUKE, THE ROPE 

WRAP WAS AROUND THE TAIL STOCK AND THERE WAS 

ALSO A PERPENDICULAR ROPE WRAP ON THE RIGHT SIDE 

OF THE FLUKE WHICH WAS DEEP INTO THE 

BLUBBER/FLESH. CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT AND 

SERIOUS INJURY UNDER CATEGORY L2. FISHERY 

POSITIVELY-IDENTIFIED THROUGH TAG NUMBERS. 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY VANCOUVER BRITISH FISHERMAN HAD SET APPROX. 500 TRAPS IN BODEGA BAY, 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 6 12 (CALIFORNIA) ISLAND COLUMBIA SI CA AREA BETWEEN MARCH 31 AND JUNE 1 OF 2016. FINAL SI L2 1 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

RED AND WHITE BUOYS (2 TOTAL BUOYS) TRAILING 

ALONGSIDE BODY. LENGTH OF LINE, AMOUNT OF GEAR SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 6 12 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) AND CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. 

CAME INTO LOS ANGELES HARBOR ON THE BOW OF A 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

LARGE SHIP. WORKING LOCATION AND LIMITED TIME FOR 

SAMPLING BEFORE ANIMAL WAS TOWED OUT OF THE 

HARBOR PREVENTED US FROM PREFORMING FULL 

NECROPY. SHIP TRACKER DATA SHOWS A REDUCTION IN 

SPEED AND A 360 DEGREE MANEUVER MIGHT INDICATE 

THE ANIMAL WAS STRUCK AT 34 DEG 26' 52.5" N, 125 DEG 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 6 14 VESSEL STRIKE LOS ANGELES CA DEAD 23' 01.0" W. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

EMACIATED WHALE SWIMMING WITH 2 UNIQUE SETS OF 

CA DUNGENESS CRAB POT GEAR THROUGH MOUTH. THE 

GEAR REPRESENTS TWO SEPARATE VESSELS' BUOYS AND 

ROPES. CONFIRMED FROM TAG NUMBERS. FAST RAFT 

TEAM WAS ABLE TO ATTACH TELEMETRY TO WHALE, BUT 

DISENTANGLEMENT EFFORT DID NOT OCCUR BECAUSE 

BOAT WAS NOT HOLDING AIR. DESIGNATED SERIOUS 

INJURY BECAUSE OF EMACIATED CONDITION, WHICH 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY IMPLIES THAT GEAR IN MOUTH HAS INTERFERED WITH 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 6 17 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI FEEDING FOR SOME TIME. HEALTH DECLINE. 

AN 87' USCG VESSEL STRUCK A 25-30' HUMPBACK WHALE 

SI L3 1 Y Y 

ON ITS MIDSECTION WITH THE BOW WHILE TRAVELING AT 

10-12 KNOTS. THE WHALE WAS OBSERVED 10 FEET IN 

FRONT OF THE CUTTER BEFORE THE COLLISION TOOK 

PLACE. NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO THE VESSEL AND THE 

ANIMAL WAS AT THE SURFACE OF THE WATER AFTER THE 

COLLISION. THE ANIMAL WAS OBSERVED FOR A PERIOD 

OF 10 MINUTES POST COLLISION, FOLLOWING THE 

COLLISION THE ANIMAL DOVE FOR 2 MINUTES AND THEN 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 6 23 VESSEL STRIKE CLALLAM WA SI WAS OBSERVED AT THE SURFACE. FINAL OUTCOME SI L6A 1 N Y 
 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

WHALE SWIMMING AND DIVING, TRAILING 2 SETS OF 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

YELLOW/WHITE/ORANGE BUOYS ABOUT 5 FEET BEHIND 

THE BLOWHOLE AND TRAILING LINE 100 FEET BEHIND 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY ANIMAL. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 6 24 INTERACTION SAN MATEO CA SI (PRORATE) UNKNOWN. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

WHALE TRAILING YELLOW AND BLUE CRAB BUOY AND 30 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY FEET OF LINE. FISHERY IDENTIFIED FROM BUOY TAG. SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 7 5 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

9.7 METER MALE WITH EVIDENCE OF HEMORRHAGING 

AND EDEMA INTERNALLY. DORSAL AND LATERAL PROCESS 

FRACTURES TO CERVICAL VERTEBRAE C1-C3. NECROPSY 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 7 6 VESSEL STRIKE SAN MATEO CA DEAD DONE BY THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

10.9 METER FEMALE HUMPBACK. PHOTOS SHOW GOOD
 

BODY CONDITION. MULTIPLE FRACTURES OF CAUDAL
 

SKULL WITH SHARDS ON BONE LOOSE IN NECROTIC
 

TISSUE. NECROPSIED BY THE MARINE MAMMAL CENTER.
 

FINDINGS CONSISTENT WITH BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA DUE
 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 7 24 VESSEL STRIKE SAN MATEO CA DEAD TO VESSEL STRIKE. DEAD NA 1 N Y
 

1 MILE WEST OF OCEANO DUNES. WHALE STAYING AT 

SURFACE, DRAGGING 4 OR 5 BUOYS IN LINE, 30 FEET OR 

MORE BEHIND WHALE, BLUE ROPE ON HEAD OF WHALE. 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. NO SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 8 1 INTERACTION SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI (PRORATE) RESIGHTS. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

PHOTOS SHOW WHALE WITH BLUE LINE THROUGH 

MOUTH, CONSTRICTING AROUND LEFT FLIPPER, WITH 

RED/PINK LACERATIONS. TWO BUOYS WITH LENGTH OF 

LINE IN EXCESS OF WHALE TRAILING. MULTIPLE RESIGHTS 

OF WHALE THROUGH 12/8/2016. PARTIAL 

DISENTANGLEMENT ON 9/5/2016 BUT ANIMAL STILL 

TRAILED GEAR. PHOTOS ON 9/14 SHOW LINE STILL 

WRAPPED AROUND LEFT FLIPPER, WITH DEEPER 

LACERATIONS THAN ORIGINAL 8/6 PHOTOS. FINAL 

PHOTOS OF WHALE ON 12/8 SHOW DISCOLORED DORAL 

SURFACE OF WHALE, GRAYISH, WITH BIOLOGICAL 

GROWTH (DIATOMS?). HEALTH DECLINE AND 

CONSTRICTING NATURE OF ENTANGLEMENT AND 

DETERIORATING CONDITION WARRANTS SERIOUS INJURY. 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY ANIMAL SEEN MONTHS LATER, WITHOUT GEAR. ON 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 8 6 (CALIFORNIA) ORANGE CA SI 4/20/2017, THIS SAME WHALE, WELL-KNOWN BY THE DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

RED/ORANGE LINE COMING OUT OF ANTERIOR BASE OF 

MOUTH AND WRAPPED TIGHTLY AROUND BASE OF RIGHT 

FLIPPER. TRAILING LINE WITH 2 BUOYS, LINE LENGTH 

APPEARS ROUGHLY 2X - 3X LENGTH OF WHALE. GEAR 

POSITIVELY-IDENTIFIED BY BUOY/TAG NUMBER. EVIDENCE 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY OF CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT. GEAR AMOUNT AND 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 8 9 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. SI L2 1 Y Y 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

CA-OR-WA 

CA-OR-WA 

2016 

2016 

8 

8 

12 

16 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

(CALIFORNIA) 

MONTEREY 

MONTEREY 

CA 

CA 

SI (PRORATE) 

SI 

LINE AROUND BODY BEHIND BLOWHOLE. TRAILING ONE 

BUOY APPROX. 20 FT BEHIND WHALE. BUOY SUBMERGES 

WHEN WHALE DIVES. CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT OF 

GEAR UNKNOWN. 

EMACIATED WHALE WITH DISCOLORED GRAY SKIN AND 

APPARENT DIATOM GROWTH, TRAILING TWO BUOYS AND 

20 FT. OF LINE. FISHERY CONFIRMED VIA BUOY TAG. 

CONDITION OF WHALE WARRANTS SERIOUS INJURY 

DESIGNATION. AMOUNT OF GEAR AND CONFIGURATION 

UNKNOWN, BUT LIKELY HAS INTERFERED WITH FEEDING, 

WHICH SUGGESTS INGESTION OF GEAR. DOCUMENTED 

HEALTH DECLINE. 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

SI 

L10 

L10 

0.75 

1 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 8 16 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION SAN FRANCISCO CA SI (PRORATE) 

WHALE SEEN 8 MI ENE OF SOUTH FARALLON ISLAND WITH 

LINE AND A SINGLE BUOY TRAILING BEHIND IT. NO 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS OR PHOTOS. AMOUNT AND 

CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

TRAILING 2 WHITE BUOYS WITH BLACK TOPS (10 FEET 

APART) AND 1 YELLOW BUOY, 100 FT BEHIND WHALE, 

BUOYS FOULED, CDFW DUNGENESS CRAB TRAP TAG. 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT OF GEAR UNKNOWN. SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 8 24 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) ANIMAL LAST SEEN SWIMMING WITH ENTANGLEMENT. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

CA-OR-WA 

CA-OR-WA 

2016 

2016 

8 

8 

24 

24 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

SAN LUIS OBISPO 

SANTA BARBARA 

CA 

CA 

SI (PRORATE) 

SI (PRORATE) 

2 MILES OFF MORRO ROCK. ORANGE/BROWN LINE WITH 

ORANGE FLOAT TRAILING FROM RIGHT SIDE OF BODY, 

BUT VERY CLOSE TO BODY, BUOY NEAR RIGHT PECTORAL 

FLIPPER; GEAR IS POSSIBLY ATTACHED TO LEFT SIDE, 

DRAPED OVER BACK AND FLOATING ON RIGHT SIDE. 

MOVING AND FEEDING WITH SOCIAL GROUP OF 

HUMPBACKS, DIVING. ANIMAL RESIGHTED THROUGH 

8/26. PHOTOS AND VIDEO REVIEWED. AMOUNT AND 

CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. 

ONE RED POLYBALL (STILL INFLATED) BEING TRAILED A 

FEW YARDS BEHIND TAIL OF WHALE. NO PHOTOS. 

AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

L10 

L10 

0.75 

0.75 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

CA-OR-WA 

CA-OR-WA 

2016 

2016 

8 

8 

27 

28 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

SAN FRANCISCO 

SAN LUIS OBISPO 

CA 

CA 

SI (PRORATE) 

SI (PRORATE) 

WHALE NEAR SE FARALLON ISLAND WITH LARGE BUOY 

TRAILING 30 FEET BEHIND WRAPS ON TAIL. AMOUNT AND 

CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. NO PHOTOS. 

ACTIVE, DIVING WHALE, TRAVELING WITH OTHER 

WHALES, TRAILING A SINGLE ORANGE BUOY 

APPROXIMATELY 20 FEET BEHIND WHALE. PHOTOS 

REVIEWED. UNKNOWN AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

L10 

L10 

0.75 

0.75 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

WHALE SEEN SWIMMING AND DIVING WITH A SINGLE 

WRAP OF BLUE LINE APPROXIMATELY 2-3 FEET BEHIND 

BLOWHOLES. FLUKES SHOW EVIDENCE OF WHITE 

SCARRING, POSSIBLY RELATED TO THIS ENTANGLEMENT 

OR POSSIBLY OLDER. ANIMAL OTHERWISE APPEARS 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY HEALTHY. PHOTOS REVIEWED. AMOUNT AND SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 8 28 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

CAUDAL HALF OF PEDUNCLE MISSING; BASED ON 

DAMAGE TO CAUDAL VERTEBRA, BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN 

CUT OFF BY PROPELLER; HOWEVER, UNCLEAR AS TO 

WHETHER DAMAGE OCCURRED PRE- OR POST-MORTEM; 

ALL INTERNAL ORGANS EXPELLED FROM 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 9 16 VESSEL STRIKE TILLAMOOK OR DEAD DECOMPOSITION.; ONLY VENTRAL SIDE OF WHALE COULD DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CALIFORNIA SPOT PRAWN TRAP GEAR; BLUE STEEL LINE 

AROUND ONE PECTORAL FLIPPER AND 4 ORANGE POLY 

BALLS. RESIGHTED OFF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ON 

10/4/2016 YELLOW ROPE AROUND MIDSECTION AND A "4-

INCH LACERATION", THOUGH THE LOCATION OF THE 

LACERATION IS NOT PROVIDED. PHOTOS DO NOT SHOW 

LACERATION AND SHOW APPARENT MARINE GROWTH ON 

ROPES. INTERVIEW WITH FISHERMAN INDICATES THAT 

ONE OF THE BUOYS IS FROM A SET MADE AT THE END OF 

AUGUST WEST OF SAN MATEO IN 100 FATHOMS OF 

WATER, WITH APPROXIMATELY 120 FATHOMS OF LINE. 

FISHERMAN RECOVERED HIS GEAR AND ASSUMES THAT 

ALL THAT REMAINS ON WHALE IS LINES AND BUOYS. 

DESIGNATED AS A SERIOUS INJURY. UNKNOWN AMOUNT 

AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR REMAIN ON ANIMAL. 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 9 17 CA SPOT PRAWN TRAP FISHERY SAN MATEO CA SI FINAL OUTOOME UNKNOWN. SI L10 1 Y Y 

COAST GUARD REPORTED WHALE WITH "CRAB POTS AND 

LINES". WHALE TOWING 2 ORANGE BUOYS, 1 WHITE 

BUOY, TRAILING 10 FEET BEHIND DORSAL FIN, CLOSE TO 

FLUKES. WHALE WAS ABLE TO FLUKE UP AND DIVE. 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP UNSUCCESSFUL SEARCH FOR WHALE, AMOUNT AND SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 9 25 FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT MARIN CA SI (PRORATE) CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Injury Injury Count Count 

Initial Injury Final Injury Criteria Proration Against Against 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State Assessment Comments 

AERIAL PHOTO OF HUMPBACK WHALE, "POSSIBLY 

Assessment Code Value LOF PBR 

ANCHORED" AND "HANGING NEAR SURFACE", WITH 

PECTORAL FLIPPERS FLAIRED OUT, TOWING APPROX. 150 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP FT. OF LINE AND 4 ORANGE POLYBALLS. NEAR PT. REYES. SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 9 26 FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT MARIN CA SI (PRORATE) GEAR AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

WHALE TOWING ONE LARGE ORANGE POLYBALL AND ONE 

SMALLER WHITE POLYBALL NEAR MID-BODY. SEEN 

AMONG A GROUP OF 30+ FEEDING WHALES. ANIMAL WAS 

DIVING. PHOTOS SHOW WHALE BETWEEN OBSERVER AND 

POLYBALLS, SO GEAR IS OBSCURED BY DORSAL SURFACE 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY OF WHALE, BUT OTHERWISE CLEARLY SEEN. SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 10 9 INTERACTION SAN FRANCISCO CA SI (PRORATE) CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT OF GEAR UNKNOWN. NO (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

LINE AND 4 BUOYS (3 ORANGE, 1 WHITE). LINE COMES 

OUT OF MOUTH ON BOTH SIDES OF WHALE (SEEN FROM 

DRONE FOOTAGE) AND WRAPS AROUND HEAD OF WHALE 

POSTERIOR TO BLOWHOLES. LINE APPEARS CONSTRICTING 

WITH VISIBLE INDENTATION ON DORSAL SURFACE OF 

BODY. RIGHT PECTORAL FLIPPER APPEARS TO BE PINNED 

TO BODY. DISENTANGLEMENT TEAM MADE 

UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT TO REMOVE GEAR. WHALE SEEN 

DIVING NORMALLY. UNDERWATER VIDEO OF ANIMAL TOO 

MURKY TO ASSESS SEVERITY OF ENTANGLEMENT. 

TRAILING LINE DOES NOT EXCEED LENGTH OF WHALE. 

DESIGNATED AS SERIOUS INJURY UNDER CATEGORY L2 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY BECAUSE OF EVIDENCE OF CONSTRICTING GEAR. PHOTOS 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 10 12 INTERACTION ORANGE CA SI REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA AND A. HENRY. SI L2 1 Y Y 

WHALE IDENTIFIED AS 'COMET' WITH EITHER GILLNET OR 

BRAIDED NET AROUND FLUKES, BUT PEDUNCLE APPEARS 

FREE OF GEAR. MARINE GROWTH ON GEAR MAKES IT 

UNCLEAR WHETHER OR NOT NET IS MONOFILAMENT OR 

BRAIDED. ANIMAL DIVING AND SWIMMING NORMALLY. 

WHALE RESIGHTED OFF LOS ANGELES LATER THAT WEEK. 

BARNACLE GROWTH ON FLUKES APPEARS TO BE 

CONTRIBUTING TO THE CONTINUED ATTACHMENT OF NET 

ON FLUKES. GEAR ORIGIN UNKNOWN. NON-SERIOUS 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 10 21 GILLNET FISHERY ORANGE CA NSI INJURY DUE TO LIMITED DRAPED GEAR ON FLUKES. NSI L3 0 N N 

PHOTOGRAPH OF MONOFILAMENT LINE OVER FLUKES, 

LINE IS TAUGHT. WHALE WATCH SURVEY. ANIMAL RESIGHTED AND PHOTOGRAPHED LATER THAT DAY AND LINE 

IS NO LONGER VISIBLE. APPARENT SELF-RELEASE. ANIMAL 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY WAS SEEN FEEDING. ORIGINAL AMOUNT AND 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 10 26 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA NSI CONFIGURATION OF LINE UNKNOWN. NSI L10 0 N N 

WHALE TOWING CRAB POT, 3 BUOYS AND 100 METERS OF 

ROPE NEAR CABO SAN LUCAS. NO PHOTOS, BUT DRAWING 

OF WHALE SHOWS RELATIVE LOCATION OF GEAR 

WRAPPED AROUND RIGHT PECTORAL FLIPPER. SELFRELEASE OF GEAR THAT WAS COLLECTED, UNCERTAIN IF 

WHALE SHED ALL GEAR. PHOTOS SHOW GEAR RECOVERED 

FROM WHALE AND POSITIVELY-IDENTIFIED FROM LICENSE 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY TAG NUMBER. GEAR ORIGINALLY SET IN SPRING 2017 SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 11 26 (CALIFORNIA) MEXICO MEXICO SI (PRORATE) NEAR SAN FRANCISCO. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION 

WHALE TOWING ROPE AND 4 BUOYS, 2 BUOYS NEAR 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

HEAD, 2 NEAR FLUKES. ANIMAL SEEN NEAR BODEGA BAY, 

CA, THRASHING AT SURFACE, 'LOOKS EXHAUSTED'. TWO 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

TRAILING BUOYS ARE BICOLOR (ORANGE/YELLOW AND 

RED). LEADING BUOYS ARE WHITE WITH LONGITUDINAL 

RED BAR. BUOYS LOOK RELATIVELY FRESH AND SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 12 3 INTERACTION SONOMA CA SI (PRORATE) UNFOULED. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 
Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

WHALE WRAPPED AROUND MOUTH AND LEFT SIDE NEAR 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

BODEGA BAY DISENTANGLED FROM LINE AND 10 BUOYS 

BY COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN (=RESCUE). WHALE WAS 

BLEEDING, FISHERMEN DESCRIBED GEAR AS CUTTING 

INTO WHALE (=CONSTRICTING). FISHERMEN SPENT 4 HRS 

REMOVING ALL GEAR FROM WHALE. WHALE SWAM 

AROUND AFTER RELEASE FROM GEAR. FISHERY POSITIVELYIDENTIFIED FROM TRAP TAG. THIS RECORD IS 

CONSIDERED SEPARATE FROM THE 12/3/2016 RECORD IN 

SAME REGION BECAUSE OF THE DIFFERENCE IN NUMBER 

AND COLOR OF BUOYS ASSOCIATED WITH 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT. WHALE APPEARED HEALTHY. NONHUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 12 8 (CALIFORNIA) SONOMA CA NSI SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO REMOVAL OF ALL GEAR AND 

BAJA CALIFORNIA WHALE WATCH COMPANY REPORTED 

NSI L2 0 N N 

WHALE ENTANGLED IN 100 FT OF ROPE AND 3 

ASSOCIATED BUOYS. UNDERWATER PHOTO SHOWS LINE 

TRAILING BACK FROM WHALE'S MIDSECTION, 

APPARENTLY ON THE VENTRUM BECAUSE ORIGIN OF LINE 

IS NOT VISIBLE FROM DORSAL PERSPECTIVE OF PHOTO. 

PECTORAL FLIPPERS, FLUKES, AND PEDUNCLE APPEAR 

FREE OF GEAR. WHALE APPEARS ROBUST AND HEALTHY 

FROM PHOTOS. FISHERY POSITIVELY-IDENTIFIED FROM 

TRAP TAG AFTER GEAR WAS REMOVED AND COLLECTED 

FROM WHALE. WHALE DID NOT SHOW ANY APPARENT 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY INJURIES POST-RELEASE. ALL GEAR APPARENTLY 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2016 12 13 (CALIFORNIA) MEXICO MEXICO NSI REMOVED (=RESCUE). BUOYS APPEAR WEATHERED AND 

SAN BLAS, MEXICO (21.525, -105.286). WHALE DESCRIBED 

AS WEAK AND EMACIATED WITH HIGH CYAMID LOAD HAD 

NSI L10 0 N N 

MULTIPLE WRAPS ENTANGLED AROUND FLUKES AND A 

BROKEN POT. ONLY ONE PHOTO OF WHALE FROM BEHIND 

DOES NOT SHOW GEAR BUT SHOWS A GRAYISH 

COLORATION TO SKIN. DRAWING OF ENTANGLEMENTS 

DEPICTS MULTIPLE WRAPS AROUND FLUKES AND 

PEDUNCLE. COMPLETE GEAR CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN 

AND DETERMINED TO BE A SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO 

DOCUMENTED HEALTH DECLINE. GEAR TRACED TO 

OWNER VIA BUOY INFORMATION TO CALIFORNIA 

RECREATIONAL DUNGENESS POT THAT WAS ORIGINALLY 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 1 6 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

(RECREATIONAL) MEXICO MEXICO SI 

SET IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA WATERS ON 11/5/2016 

(APPROX POSITION = 33.54, -122.54. CRAB TRAP WAS 

LOST ON THAT 1ST DAY (11/5/2016). DISENTANGLEMENT 

TEAM REMOVED ALL GEAR FROM WHALE. SERIOUS 

TOWING 100 FEET GREEN LINE, TRAILING SIDE OF BODY, 2 

SI L10 1 N Y 

FLOATS, 1 RED, 1 WHITE. GEAR POSITIVIELY IDENTIFIED AS 

CALIFORNIA DUNGENESS CRAB POT GEAR AFTER 

DISENTANGLEMENT TEAM (=RESCUE) CUT AND REMOVED 

LINE AND BUOYS BEHIND THE MOUTH. IT WAS THOUGHT 

THAT PERHAPS 30 FEET OF LINE REMAINED ON ANIMAL 

AFTER DISENTANGLEMENT MISSION. LINE APPEARED TO 

BE COMING OUT OF LEFT SIDE OF MOUTH. NO LINE 

VISIBLE ON THE LEFT PECTORAL OR FLUKE. LINE WAS 

INITIALLY DRAPED OVER THE BACK OF THE WHALE BUT 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY
 HAD SLID OFF DURING DISENTANGLEMENT ENCOUNTER. SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 4 17 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE)
 CONFIGURATION OF REMAINING GEAR UNKNOWN. 

SWIMMING WHALE WITH ORANGE LINE ACROSS LEFT SIDE 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

OF BODY. GEAR CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY UNKNOWN. WHALE NOT SEEN AGAIN, ONLY ONE PHOTO SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 6 17 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) REVIEWED, SHOWS A SINGLE LINE ON LEFT SIDE OF (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

TWO BUOYS ON RIGHT SIDE TRAILING BEHIND THE FLUKE, 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

LINE (LIGHT OR WHITE) APPEARS TO BE RUNNING 

UNDERNEATH THE BODY FROM THE RIGHT PECTORAL FIN 

AND/OR UNDERNEATH THE HEAD OVER THE RIGHT SIDE 

OF FLUKES (AS NOTED FROM PHOTO/VIDEO); ADDITONAL 

SCARRING FROM OLD ENTANGLEMENT ON PEDUNCLE. 

FISHERY SOURCE CONFIRMED BY FISHERMAN VIA PHOTOS 

OF BUOYS AND TRAP NUMBERS. THE ENTANGLING GEAR 

HAD BEEN SET IN HALF MOON BAY. PREVIOUS SIGHTING 

OF THIS WHALE, KNOWN AS 'TRAINWRECK' WAS ON 

5/22/2017 AND WAS NOT ENTANGLED AT THAT TIME. 

FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN, FULL CONFIGURATION AND 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY AMOUNT OF GEAR UNKNOWN. NO VISIBLE INJURIES SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 6 18 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) OTHER THAN OLD SCARRING NEAR PEDUNCLE. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

BLUE LINE BEHIND DORSAL FIN, CUTTING INTO ANIMAL. 

NO BUOYS VISIBLE. GEAR AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION 

UNKNOWN. SERIOUS INJURY UNDER L2 BECAUSE OF 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY CONSTRICTING WRAP ENTANGLEMENT. ANIMAL 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 6 23 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI APPEARED TO BE LUNGE FEEDING. FINAL OUTCOME SI L2 1 Y Y 

WHALE STRUGGLING AT SURFACE AND ANCHORED IN 

PLACE, NOT RAISING ITS FLUKES OUT OF THE WATER AT 

ALL. NO GEAR VISIBLE, BUT APPARENT THAT WHALE IS 

ANCHORED BY SOMETHING. VIDEO / PHOTO REVIEWED BY 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 6 25 MARINE DEBRIS SAN MATEO CA SI J. CARRETTA. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI L2 1 N Y 

CITIZEN TOOK PHOTO OF PLEASURE BOAT HITTING WHALE 

BELOW GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE. EXTENT OF INJURIES 

UNKNOWN, SPEED OF VESSEL UNKNOWN, BUT PROBABLY 

IN EXCESS OF 10KTS BASED ON PHOTO. APPEARS VESSEL IS 

APPROXIMATELY SAME SIZE AS WHALE. 

http://www.gulfster.com/Daily/2017PictureGallery/humpHUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 6 28 VESSEL STRIKE SAN FRANCISCO CA SI back-whale-golden-gate/index.html SI L6B 0.2 N Y 

WHALE WITH LINE WRAPPED AROUND AND CUTTING 

INTO ANIMAL, MIDWAY BETWEEN FLUKES AND DORSAL 

HUMP. DEEP AND EXTENSIVELY-WOUNDED AREA IS 

HEAVILY COVERED IN BARNACLES, INDICATING THE GEAR 

HAS BEEN ON THE WHALE FOR SOME TIME. 

CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT. TRAILING AT LEAST TWO 

BUOYS. WHALE DISENTANGLEMENT TEAM REMOVED 

MOST GEAR ON 7/29/2017 IN SOUTHERN CA WATERS. 

WHALE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY SEEN, GEAR-FREE, 

SWIMMING AND TAIL-SLAPPING ON 7/30/2017 OFF 

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. WHALE APPEARS TO BE IN GOOD 

HEALTH WITH EXCEPTION OF ENTANGLEMENT INJURY, 

WHICH APPEARS PINK IN COLOR. GIVEN SEVERITY OF 

INJURY, SURVIVAL OF WHALE IS UNCERTAIN. FISHERY 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY POSITIVELY-IDENTIFIED FROM RECOVERED GEAR TAG. 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 7 2 (WASHINGTON) NA WA SI PHOTOS / VIDEO REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. SI L5A 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

ENTANGLEMENT INVOLVED 25 FT JUVENILE HUMPBACK 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

WHALE TRAILING 400 YARDS OF LINE. SEVERAL SETS OF 

FIXED FISHING GEAR WRAPPED AROUND THE TAIL FLUKES, 

THE PECTORAL FINS, AND THE MOUTH. WHALE INITIALLY 

ENTANGLED IN SABLEFISH ANCHOR GEAR AND THEN 

DRAGGED THAT GEAR THROUGH SHRIMP GEAR, SO TWO 

FISHERIES WERE INVOLVED. THE GEAR HAD ANCHORED 

THE WHALE IN PLACE AND ANIMAL WAS UNABLE TO LIFT 

ITS FLUKES. DISENTANGLEMENT TEAM WORKED WITH 

LOCAL FISHERMEN IN A CAREFULLY PLANNED OPERATION 

TO HAUL UP SOME OF THE HEAVY GEAR WEIGHING DOWN 

THE TAIL. THAT CREATED ENOUGH SLACK TO LET THE 

WHALE SURFACE, ALLOWING THE TEAM TO MAKE THE 

NECESSARY CUTS TO REMOVE ALL THE ENTANGLING GEAR 

FROM THE WHALE. SHORT VIDEO POST-RELEASE SHOWS 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 7 13 

WA/OR/CA SABLEFISH POT 

FISHERY AND CA/OR 

COONSTRIPE SHRIMP POT DEL NORTE CA SI 

WHALE SWIMMING SLOWLY AT SURFACE. APPARENT 

BODY CONDITION APPEARS HEALTY FROM PHOTOS. 

DESIGNATED AS A NON-SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO RESCUE / NSI L2 0 Y N 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 7 23 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI 

THICK BLUE LINE DEEPLY EMBEDDED BEHIND BLOWHOLE 

AND A WRAP OF LEFT PECTORAL FLIPPER, CONNECTING
 

TO MOUTH. THE EMBEDDED LINE HAS CUT INTO THE 

BLUBBER LAYER OF THE WHALE. LINE AROUND LEFT
 

FLIPPER HAS AN X-SHAPED CONFIGURATION AROUND
 

BASE OF FLIPPER, INDICATING A CONSTRICTING WRAP.
 

ANIMAL DESCRIBED AS AGITATED AND BREACHING, WITH
 

TAIL SLAPPING BEHAVIOR. ANIMAL RESIGHTED 8/19/2017,
 

STILL ENTANGLED. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. PHOTOS
 

REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. SI L2 1 Y Y 

TWO LINES; ONE ACROSS OR JUST IN FRONT OF BLOW
 

HOLE, ONE CLOSE BEHIND THE BLOWHOLE ON HEAD; 

SIGNIFICANT ABRASIONS NOTED ON UNDERSIDE OF TAIL
 

STOCK AND LEADING EDGE OF THE FLUKE. WHALE WAS 

EMACIATED. GEAR AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION
 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY UNKNOWN, BUT SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO APPARENT 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 8 23 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI HEALTH DECLINE OF WHALE. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. SI L10 1 Y Y 

ENTANGLEMENT INVOLVED THE RIGHT FLIPPER AND THE 

TAIL, WITH LINE TRAILING TO TWO WHITE BUOYS ABOUT 

50 TO 100' BEHIND THE WHALE. LINE WAS ALSO
 

OBSERVED DESCENDING TOWARDS THE SEAFLOOR. EST -

3/8" LINE - LIGHT COLOR; DESCRIPTION DEEMED SPECIFIC
 

AND DETAILED ENOUGH, COMING FROM A PROFESSIONAL 

MARINER, TO WARRANT CONFIRMATION EVEN THOUGH 

PHOTO IS OF LOW QUALITY AND DOES NOT PROVIDE 

EVIDENCE OF ENTANGLEMENT. SINGLE PHOTO REVIEWED 

BY J. CARRETTA, WHICH DOES NOT SHOW ENOUGH OF 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY WHALE OR CONTEXT FOR FURTHER ASSESSMENT. GEAR SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 8 23 INTERACTION COOS OR SI (PRORATE) AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

VIDEO SHOWS MOTIONLESS WHALE WITH HIGH CYAMID 

LOAD. LINE COMING OUT OF RIGHT SIDE OF MOUTH AND
 

ANOTHER PIECE ON RIGHT PECTORAL FLIPPER. DEEP
 

LACERATION ON HEAD OF WHALE JUST ANTERIOR TO
 

BLOWHOLE AND ANOTHER DEEP LACERATION ON THE 

RIGHT FLIPPER. GEAR RECOVERED BY MEMBERS OF THE 

PUBLIC AND EVENTUALLY IDENTIFIED AS WASHINGTON
 

STATE TRIBAL DUNGENESS POT GEAR. SURVIVAL OF 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT WHALE DOUBTFUL BASED ON HEALTH DECLINE. VIDEO 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 9 3 WASHINGTON TRIBAL SAN DIEGO CA SI REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. SI L5A 1 N Y 

DISTANT PHOTOS OF BREACHING HUMPBACK SHOW 

BLUE/GREEN LINE UNDERNEATH BASE OF LEFT PECTORAL 

FLIPPER AND THROUGH BOTH SIDES OF MOUTH. NO 

FLOATS / BUOYS SEEN TRAILING. ANIMAL APPEARED TO 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY BE IN GOOD HEALTH. GEAR AMOUNT AND SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 9 20 INTERACTION ORANGE CA SI (PRORATE) CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 
Serious Serious 

Injury Injury Count Count 

Initial Injury Final Injury Criteria Proration Against Against 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State Assessment Comments Assessment Code Value LOF PBR 

LINE ACROSS BACK IN FRONT OF DORSAL FIN, STARTING 

TO BECOME EMBEDDED. RECENT PHOTO OF WHALE 

FROM 9/4 SHOWS WHALE WITHOUT ENTANGLEMENT, SO 

THIS IS A RELATIVELY RECENT ENTANGLEMENT. THERE ARE 

TWO LINES TRAILING BEHIND THE FLUKES. ONE GOES 

ABOUT 2/3RDS BODY LENGTH BACK AND IS RUNNING 

FREE, THE OTHER ALMOST EXACTLY THE WIDTH OF THE 

FLUKES WITH TWO OBJECTS ATTACHED ONE OF WHICH IS 

LIKELY A BULLET BUOY AT THE END AND THE OTHER IS 

FLATTENED AND FISHES IN THE CURRENT. THE LATTER 

MAY BE A WAD OF LINE AROUND ANOTHER BUOY. THE 

TWO LINES ARE FAIRLY SEPARATED BUT TWIST CLOSE TO 

THE FLUKES AND PROBABLY ARE TWISTED UNDER THE 

BODY. BECAUSE TWO LINES WERE DETECTED TRAILING 

THE ANIMAL IT IS THOUGHT THAT THERE IS NO TRAP 

ATTACHED. EVIDENCE OF LINE EMBEDDING IN WHALE 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY WARRANTS A SERIOUS INJURY UNDER CATEGORY L2 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 10 2 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT). SI L2 1 Y Y 

WELL-MARKED WHALE INITIALLY SEEN WITH GREEN 

GILLNET AROUND ROSTRUM AND THROUGH MOUTH 

NEAR SAN JUAN ISLAND. WHALE SEEN SEVERAL TIMES 

THEREAFTER, AS LATE AS DECEMBER 2017. 

DISENTANGLEMENT TEAM APPROACHED WHALE AND 

TOOK PHOTOS AND VIDEO AND COULD NOT FIND ANY 

REMAINING GILLNET. ANIMAL IS THOUGHT TO HAVE SELFHUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 10 6 GILLNET FISHERY SAN JUAN WA SI (PRORATE) RELEASED FROM GEAR. ORIGINAL GEAR CONFIGURATION NSI L10 0 Y N 

ORANGE LINE AROUND TORSO FORWARD OF ITS DORSAL 

FIN, ORANGE AND GREEN LINE REPORTED BY FISHERMAN, 

TRAILING 40-50 FEET ON LINE BEHIND, NO BUOYS. 

ANIMAL SELF-RELEASED, APPROACHED AND 

PHOTOGRAPHED / VIDEO BY P. STAPP. VIDEO SHOWS 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY WHALE FREE OF GEAR AND WITHOUT APPARENT INJURY, 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 11 25 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) IN THE COMPANY OF ANOTHER HUMPBACK. NSI L10 0 Y N 

ANCHORED WITH BODY WRAP, ANIMAL NOT FLUKING. AT 

LEAST TWO WRAPS AROUND CAUDAL PEDUNCLE AND 

LINES EXTENDING TOWARDS FLIPPERS LOW ON BOTH 

SIDES OF BODY. MULTIPLE WRAPS. ONE GREEN LINE AND 

1 RED LINE CLEARLY RUNNING FROM TANGLE OF BUOYS 

OVER BODY TOWARD HEAD/MOUTH. GEAR SHIFTS AS 

WHALE SURFACES; 2 WHITE BULLET BUOYS WITH GREEN 

ENDS PLUS LIGHT BLUE BUOY TAG- LICENSE NUMBER 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY USED TO CONFIRM FISHERY. 5 BUOYS TOTAL AND A 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 12 6 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI TANGLE OF LINES. AT LEAST 3 SETS INVOLVED. SI L2 1 Y Y 

GREEN LINE WRAPPED TWICE AROUND BODY BEHIND 

HEAD AND FORWARD OF DORSAL HUMP. 2 

ORANGE/YELLOW BUOYS TRAILING, BUOYS HAVE WHAT 

APPEARS TO BE A ROUND, PURPLE TAG (CONSISTENT 

WITH WA DUNGENESS CRAB). LINES APPEAR TO BE 

SNUGLY WRAPPED AROUND BODY AND AT LEAST ONE 

INDENTATION FROM LINE IS EVIDENT ON BODY. 

OBSERVERS WERE NOT ABLE TO RELOCATE WHALE, 

WHICH OTHERWISE LOOKED HEALTHY. MULTIPLE WRAPS 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY AND CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT. AMOUNT AND 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 12 29 (WASHINGTON) MEXICO MX SI CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. PHOTOS SI L2 1 Y Y 

PHOTOS SHOW WHALE WITH LINES AND MULTIPLE BUOYS 

TRAILING BEHIND AND OVER DORSAL ASPECT OF WHALE. 

YELLOW OVAL TAGS VISIBLE ON TWO BUOYS (1 ON EACH). 

REPORTING PARTY NARRATIVE AND PHOTOS SHOW 

EVIDENCE OF A WHALE THAT IS ANCHORED. CHARTER 

VESSEL MADE UNAUTHORIZED ATTEMPT TO REMOVE 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY GEAR FROM WHALE. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 4 29 (WASHINGTON) GRAYS HARBOR WA SI (PRORATE) GEAR REMAINING ON WHALE IS UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 
 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

TWO LARGE WHALES THAT APPEARED TO BE "ENTANGLED 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

TOGETHER" 8.5 MILES OUTSIDE OF GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE. 

ENTANGLEMENT WAS DESCRIBED AS 4 BUOYS, 2 SETS OF 

"CRAB POT BUOYS" WRAPPED AROUND MAIN PART OF 

ONE OF THE WHALES. NO PHOTOS OR VIDEO. NO 

RESIGHTS. BASED ON NARRATIVE, ONLY ONE WHALE IS 

CONFIRMED ENTANGLED, THOUGH TWO MAY HAVE BEEN 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 5 13 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT NA CA SI (PRORATE) 

PRESENT AND IN CLOSE PROXIMITY. AMOUNT AND 

CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

SINGLE WRAP OF GREEN/BLUE LINE BEHIND BLOWHOLE 

AND IN FRONT OF DORSAL FIN. LINE IS SNUGLY AROUND 

ANIMAL, BUT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE CUTTING INTO 

WHALE. NO GEAR APPARENT ON FLUKES. FREESWIMMING ANIMAL RESIGHTED NEXT DAY, OUTCOME 

UNKNOWN. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY UNKNOWN. CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT BECAUSE 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 5 14 INTERACTION SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI LINE IS TIGHT AROUND ANIMAL. 

FREE-SWIMMING WHALE TRAILING 2 WHITE BUOYS 

SI L2 1 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY APPROXIMATELY 70 FT. BEHIND FLUKES. AMOUNT AND SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 5 16 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

GREEN AND WHITE LINE WRAPPED TIGHTLY AROUND LEFT 

PECTORAL, PASSING THROUGH LEFT GAPE. EVIDENCE OF A 

WRAP AROUND THROAT (BLOATING LIKELY CAUSED ROPE 

TO SNAP, FRAYED ENDS VISIBLE. GREEN, ORANGE, AND 

WHITE LINES WRAPPED AROUND TAILSTOCK. FAINT 

IMPRESSIONS ACROSS VENTRAL LEFT FLUKE. TRAILING 2 

CRAB POTS. ORIGINALLY SEEN WITH 2 ORANGE BUOYS 

(WHILE FLOATING), ONE VISIBLE IN INITIAL PHOTOS OF 

THE BEACH LANDING, BUT HAD BEEN REMOVED BY 

UNKNOWN PERSONS PRIOR TO EXAMINATION. WCR 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY REPORTS THAT GEAR INCLUDED BOTH WA STATE AND 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 5 17 (WASHINGTON) GRAYS HARBOR WA DEAD TRIBAL FISHERIES. EVIDENCE OF CONSTRICTING WRAP. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MULTIPLE BUOYS AND LINES WRAPPED SNUGLY AROUND 

THE TAILSTOCK AREA OF THE FLUKES. MULTIPLE WRAPS 

WITH CONSTRICTING LINE. AT LEAST TWO SETS OF GEAR 

INVOLVED IN THE ENTANGLEMENT, WITH CALIFORNIA 

AND OREGON TAGS PRESENT. MASS OF LINES ON DORSAL 

SIDE OF FLUKE WITH LINE WRAPPING UNDERNEATH THE 

TAILSTOCK AND COMING BACK OVER TOP ON BOTH FLUKE 

BLADES AND MEETING AT LARGE MASS IN CENTER OF 

FLUKE. GEAR MASS AND DRAG POTENTIAL WARRANT THIS 

CASE BEING DESIGNATED A SERIOUS INJURY UNDER 

CRITERIA L2. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. 

TELEMETRY BUOYS WERE ATTACHED BY WHALE 

DISENTANGLEMENT TEAM, BUT DID NOT REMAIN ON 

WHEN WHALE DOVE. FISHERMAN WAS INTERVIEWED AND 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY HAD BEEN FISHING NEAR CRESCENT CITY NEAR TIME OF 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 5 23 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA SI ENTANGLEMENT. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. SI L2 1 Y Y 

TWISTED RED/ORANGE LINE (HYDROPRO) WRAPPED 

TIGHTLY TWICE AROUND BODY, FORWARD OF DORSAL 

FIN. ABRAIDED AND INDENTED SKIN VISIBLE FROM DRONE 

FOOTAGE FORWARD OF ROPE, EVIDENCE THAT ROPE HAD 

MOVED BACKWARDS ON BODY TO CURRENT POSITION. 

PECTORAL FLIPPERS NOT VISIBLE FROM CLEAR DRONE 

FOOTAGE. ONE BUOY (WHITE WITH BLACK ON LAST 2/3 

OF BUOY) WITH YELLOW DUNGENESS CRAB TAG, 

POTENTIALLY PINNING RIGHT PECTORAL FLIPPER TO BODY 

(FROM DRONE FOOTAGE). SERIOUS INJURY UNDER L2 

CRITERIA DUE TO CONSTRICTING GEAR AND MULTIPLE 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY WRAPS THAT MAY BE PINNING PECTORAL FLIPPERS. 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 5 27 (COMMERCIAL) MONTEREY CA SI PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. SI L2 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

WHALE WITH LINE AROUND FLUKES WITH YELLOW AND 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

ORANGE BUOYS AT SURFACE TRAILING ABOUT 50 YARDS 

BEHIND WHALE. BUOYS MOVING IN SAME DIRECTION AS 

WHALE AND GOING UNDERWATER WHEN WHALE DOVE. 

BUOYS NOT SEEN IN SAME LOCATION LATER IN THE DAY. 3 

BUOYS (POTENTIALLY 4) -- 1 TRI-COLORED WITH ORANGE 

AND PINK/ RED WITH BLACK STRIPE IN MIDDLE WITH 

POSSIBLE DUNGENESS CRAB FISHERY TAG. 1 ALL ORANGE 

WITH SILVER OR WHITE REFLECTIVE TAPE STRIPE IN 

MIDDLE WITH POSSIBLE PINK TAG. 1 THAT IS HARD TO 

TELL IF ONE OR TWO BUT YELLOW/ORANGE IN COLOR. 

POTENTIAL RESIGHT IN MEXICO IN DECEMBER 2018-

PHOTOS OF GEAR MATCH- FOLLOWING UP WITH RP 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 6 29 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT SAN MATEO CA SI (PRORATE) 

FROM MEXICO. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR 

UNKNOWN. ONE POOR-QUALITY PHOTO REVIEWED BY J. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

BLUE MESH GILLNET THAT HAS A STRETCH DIAMETER OF 

JUST UNDER 12", SMALLER THAN THAT USED IN LARGE
 

MESH GILLNET FISHERY. TEN FLOATS ON YELLOW TWISTED
 

POLYPRO LINE (SOME FLOATS WERE BLACK, SOME WERE 

WHITE); LEAD LINE W/ LEADS ALSO IN TANGLED MASS.
 

VERY SEVERE ENTANGLEMENT THAT HAS BEEN ON THIS
 

WHALE FOR SOMETIME AS INDICATED BY THE DEEP 

WOUNDS AND HEAVY CYAMID LOAD THAT IS COVERING A 

LOT OF THE DORSAL SURFACE OF THE BODY. MULTIPLE 

WRAPS OF GILLNET, ROPE, AND FLOAT FORMING TIGHT 

NEST AROUND PEDUNCLE AND FLUKES. CONSTRICTING 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 7 2 GILLNET FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA DEAD ENTANGLEMENT AND HEALTH DECLINE. DEAD NA 1 Y Y
 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

CA/OR/WA 

CA/OR/WA 

2018 

2018 

7 

7 

7 

12 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

(CALIFORNIA) 

GRAYS HARBOR 

MONTEREY 

WA 

CA 

SI (PRORATE) 

SI (PRORATE) 

HUMPBACK SEEN DRAGGING A SINGLE ORANGE AND 

WHITE BUOY, POSSIBLY ATTACHED TO LEFT PECTORAL 

FLIPPER. EXTENT OF ENTANGLEMENT AND AMOUNT OF 

GEAR UNKNOWN. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. 

EMACIATED ADULT COW ENTANGLED WITH ATTENDENT 

CALF. LINE COMING OUT BOTH SIDES OF THE MOUTH. 

LEFT SIDE GOES UNDER THE PECTORAL FLIPPER AND HAS 

THREE BUYS WITH THE FIRST AT ABOUT THE DORSAL FIN, 

THE THIRD JUST AT THE LEADING EDGE OF THE FLUKE. 

LINE COMING OUT RIGHT SIDE OF MOUTH GOES UNDER 

RIGHT PECTORAL FLIPPER AND DISAPPEARS AND MAY 

HAVE SOME WEIGHT (POT) ON THE END. ALL THREE 

BUOYS ORANGE COLORED AND HAVE SIGNIFICANT ALGAL 

GROWTH, INDICATING ENTANGLEMENT IS NOT RECENT. 

YELLOW DUNGENESS CRAB POT TAG ON BUOY CLOSEST 

TO WHALE. FINAL OUTCOME UNKNOWN. PRORATED 

SERIOUS INJURY WITH VALUE = 1 DUE TO EMACIATED 

CONDITION AND HEALTH DECLINE. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

L10 

L10 

0.75 

1 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

CA/OR/WA 

CA/OR/WA 

2018 

2018 

7 

7 

12 

15 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY 

(CALIFORNIA) 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

MONTEREY 

MENDOCINO 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI (PRORATE) 

DEPENDENT CALF OF ENTANGLED AND SERIOUSLYINJURED MOTHER. ASSUMPTION UNDER L8 IS THAT 

DEPENDENT CALF NOT LIKELY TO SURVIVE. 

MULTIPLE WRAPS OF BLUE/GRAY LINE AROUND BODY 

WITH A RED BULLET BUOY THAT FORMED A 'BIRD'S NEST' 

OF GEAR ON DORSAL ASPECT OF WHALE BETWEEN 

DORSAL FIN AND FLUKES. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION 

OF GEAR UNKNOWN. NO PHOTOS. 

SI 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

L8 

L10 

1 

0.75 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

DEAD HUMPBACK WHALE STRANDED IN MEXICO WITH 

CALIFORNIA COMMERCIAL DUNGENESS CRAB GEAR 

ENTANGLEMENT. PHOTOS SHOW LINE, 2 BUOYS, AND 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY YELLOW SHIELD TAG WITH NUMBER. AMOUNT AND 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 7 18 (CALIFORNIA) MEXICO MX DEAD CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Serious Serious 

Injury Injury Count Count 

Initial Injury Final Injury Criteria Proration Against Against 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State Assessment Comments Assessment Code Value LOF PBR 

TRIBAL FISHERMAN ENTANGLED HUMPBACK WHALE IN 

GILLNET IN TREATY FISHERY. THREE HOURS LATER, THE 

FISHERMAN REMOVED AS MUCH GEAR AS POSSIBLE AND 

THOUGHT THAT SOME LEADLINE GEAR STILL REMAINED 

ON CAUDAL PEDUNCLE. PHOTOS OF WHALE SHOW IT 

THRASHING ITS FLUKES. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION 

OF GEAR REMAINING ON WHALE UNKNOWN. PHOTOS SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 7 28 GILLNET FISHERY (TRIBAL) CLALLAM WA SI (PRORATE) REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 N Y 

BRIDLE THROUGH MOUTH THAT COMES TO A KNOT
 

FORWARD OF DORSAL HUMP. TRAILING LINE APPEARS TO
 

TERMINATE NEAR THE FLUKES AND SWITCHES FROM THE
 

LEFT TO RIGHT SIDE OF THE BODY AND DOES NOT APPEAR
 

TO BE WEIGHTED DOWN. THERE IS ALSO A SHORT LOOP
 

OF LINE EMANATING FROM THE KNOT FORWARD OF THE
 

DORSAL. THE FLIPPERS / FLUKES / TAILSTOCK ARE NOT
 

INVOLVED. WHALE TRAVELING AND FLUKING AT
 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY
 MODERATE SPEED WITH ANOTHER HUMPBACK. AMOUNT
 SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 7 30 INTERACTION DOUGLAS OR SI (PRORATE)
 AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN.
 (PRORATE) L3 0 Y Y 

WHALE WITH GILLNET MESH ATTACHED TO RIGHT FLUKE
 

TIP PHOTOGRAPHED ON 8/3/2018. ANIMAL WAS
 

RESIGHTED ON 9/14/2018 BY MARINE MAMMAL LAB (JEFF
 

HARRIS) AS FREE FROM GEAR, PHOTOS OF 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 8 3 GILLNET FISHERY CLALLAM WA NSI ENTANGLEMENT AND POST-ENTANGLEMENT EXAMINED NSI L3 0 N N
 

ANCHORED 25 FT. LONG JUVENILE HUMPACK FIRST
 

REPORTED ON 8/5/2018 WITH LINE EMBEDDED IN DORSAL
 

CAUDAL PENDUNCLE, WITH ASSOCIATED MASSIVE
 

LACERATION NEARLY SEVERING FLUKES. RESEARCHERS ON
 

R/V REUBEN LASKER SIGHTING WHALE DURING A LINETRANSECT SURVEY ON 8/7 AND CONTACTED CASCADIA 

RESEARCH. CASCADIA RESCUE TEAM WAS ABLE TO
 

ATTACH TELEMETRY BUOY ON 8/7/2018, WITH NOAA
 

VESSEL REUBEN LASKER STANDING BY FOR ASSISTANCE.
 

CASCADIA TEAM RETURNED ON 8/8/2018 AND REMOVED
 

LINE AND BUOYS ATTACHED TO A CRAB POT AND WHALE
 

SWAM OFF. GEAR WAS RECOVERED AND RETAINED.
 

BASED ON PHOTOS, THE PROBABILITY OF THE WHALE
 

LOSING ITS FLUKES IS SUBSTANTIAL. SERIOUS INJURY
 

UNDER SERIOUS INJURY CRITERIA L2 AND SEVERITY OF 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY DAMAGE TO CAUDAL PEDUNCLE. CONSTRICTING 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 8 5 (CALIFORNIA) HUMBOLDT CA SI ENTANGLEMENT. HEALTH DECLINE. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY SI L2 1 Y Y 

A COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSEL REPORTED A DEAD
 

ENTANGLED HUMPBACK WHALE TO USCG. THE USCG
 

FLEW OVER AND CONFIRMED. WHALE THROAT WAS 

DISTENDED FLOATING BELLY UP HIGH IN THE WATER.
 

ORANGE BUOYS SEEN NEAR TAILSTOCK IN AERIAL
 

PHOTOS, OBSERVERS FROM SHORE ON 07 AUG REPORTED
 

SEEING BUOYS NEAR WHALE AND CARCASS APPEARED TO
 

BE ANCHORED IN PLACE. ALL LINES AND BUOYS WERE 

REMOVED BEFORE OUR ARRIVAL. WE WERE ABLE TO
 

CONFIRM THIS AS THE SAME ANIMAL REPORTED ON
 

AUGUST 6TH USING PIGMENTATION ON THE PLEATS
 

FROM BOTH SIGHTINGS. TWO DEEP IMPRESSIONS WITH A 

THREE-STRAND LINE PATTERN ON THE RIGHT PECTORAL
 

AND LINE MARKS AND ABRASIONS AROUND TAIL STOCK
 

AND PEDUNCLE INDICATED THAT THE WHALE HAD BEEN
 

ENTANGLED RECENTLY. THE TEAM COLLECTED STILL 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP PHOTOGRAPHS AND UNDERWATER IMAGES FROM A 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 8 6 FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT GRAYS HARBOR WA DEAD GOPRO MOUNTED ON A POLE. NECROPSY: THREE DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

FISHERMAN PARTICIPATING IN SOCKEYE GILLNET TREATY 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

FISHERY REPORTED ENTANGLING A WHALE ON 8/11/2018. 

ESTIMATED TIME OF ENTANGLEMENT WAS 2130 HRS 

LOCAL. WHALE WAS WRAPPED IN CORKLINE OF NET AND 

HAD PULLED JACKLIGHT AND FLAGPOLE UNDERWATER. 

FISHERMAN'S NARRATIVE NOTED WHALE WAS VERY 

WOUND UP IN NET. EXTENSIVE CONSTRICTING 

ENTANGLEMENT. WHALE DIED THE NEXT DAY, CARCASS 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 8 11 GILLNET FISHERY (TRIBAL) CLALLAM WA SI SANK WITH GEAR. NO NECROPSY. 

ENTANGLED JUVENILE HUMPBACK SUFFERING A HEALTH 

DEAD NA 1 N Y 

DECLINE. ANIMAL'S BODY HAS PATCHES OF RUSTCOLORED WHALE LICE. COLORATION OF SKIN APPEARS TO 

BE LIGHT / DULL, WITH SLOUGHING SKIN. YELLOW POLY 

LINE SEEN WRAPPED MULTIPLE TIMES AROUND 

PEDUNCLE, WHERE LINE IS EMBEDDED. MULTIPLE WRAPS 

AND CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT. APPROXIMATELY 10 

FT OF LINE TRAILING BEYOND FLUKES. LARGE AREAS OF 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 8 11 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT SAN DIEGO CA SI 

ABRADED, RAW PINK SKIN RELATED TO ENTANGLEMENT. 

PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. SI L2 1 Y Y 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

CA/OR/WA 

CA/OR/WA 

2018 

2018 

8 

8 

11 

12 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT 

GILLNET FISHERY (TRIBAL) 

CURRY 

CLALLAM 

OR 

WA 

SI (PRORATE) 

SI (PRORATE) 

TRAILING TWO BUOYS APPROXIMATELY 1 TO 2 BODY 

LENGTHS BEHIND ANIMAL. AMOUNT AND 

CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. NO PHOTOS. 

REPORT OF A HUMPBACK WHALE TRAILING A CORKLINE 

AND CORKS. PHOTO SHOWS WHALE TRAILING GEAR THAT 

IS AT LEAST AS LONG AS WHALE. AMOUNT AND 

CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

L10 

L10 

0.75 

0.75 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

HUMPBACK WHALE 

CA/OR/WA 

CA/OR/WA 

CA/OR/WA 

2018 

2018 

2018 

8 

8 

9 

26 

30 

4 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT 

SPOT PRAWN TRAP/POT 

FISHERY (RECREATIONAL) 

SAN FRANCISCO 

CLALLAM 

MONTEREY 

CA 

WA 

CA 

SI (PRORATE) 

SI (PRORATE) 

SI 

WHALE WAS DRAGGING 2 BUOYS, A MAIN BUOY 

(RED/ORANGE) AND A TRAILER BUOY (YELLOW), THE 

TRAILER WAS ABOUT 20FT BEHIND THE WHALE. THE 

ATTACHMENT POINT IS UNKNOWN, THE ANIMAL WAS 

OBSERVED FLUKE-UP DIVING, BUT NO GEAR WAS SEEN ON 

THE FLUKES DURING THE DIVES. GEAR CONFIGURATION 

AND AMOUNT UNKNOWN. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. 

WHALE REPORTED ENTANGLED IN TWO COMMERCIAL 

CRAB POT BUOYS. (1 YELLOW AND 1 RED WITH A LOT OF 

GROWTH ON BOTH). THIS WAS WITNESSED FROM 200 

YARDS AWAY. NO PHOTOS. AMOUNT AND 

CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. 

SINGLE WRAP AROUND WHALE RIGHT AT THE TAIL STOCK 

WITH LINE APPEARING TO LOOP OVER ITSELF OR WRAP 

AROUND ITSELF SOMEWHERE UNDER THE FLUKE. WHITE 

BUOY AND ORANGE POLYBALL CLOSE TO ANIMAL FROM 

AERIAL PHOTOS. WHALE DESCRIBED AS ANCHORED IN 

PLACE WITH A FLATTENED BODY POSITION WITHOUT 

MUCH MOVEMENT. SKIN RAW AND RED/PINK ON DORSAL 

ASPECT ON CAUDAL PEDUNCLE. EXTENSIVE SCUFF MARKS 

ON HEAD AND DORSAL FIN AREA. EVIDENCE THAT GEAR 

HAD MIGRATED FROM FRONT TO REAR OF ANIMAL. THE 

WHALE BECAME AGITATED WHEN A DISENTANGLEMENT 

TEAM APPROACHED, AND AT THAT TIME, THE WHALE 

SHED THE GEAR ON ITS OWN. WHALE REMAINED IN AREA 

FOR 5 MINUTES, THEN SLOWLY STARTED SWIMMING 

AWAY, INCREASINGLY USING ITS FLUKES. FISHERY 

IDENTIFIED FROM RECOVERED GEAR. INTERVIEW WITH 

FISHERMAN INDICATED GEAR (WITH 3 TRAPS) HAD BEEN 

SET THE PRIOR DAY. NON-SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO SHED 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

NSI 

L10 

L10 

L2 

0.75 

0.75 

0 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

N 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 9 17 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION CLATSOP OR SI (PRORATE) 

ENTANGLED IN LINE AND FLOATS, BUT NO DESCRIPTION 

OF WHERE ON ANIMAL. CONFIRMED BASED ON TWO 

INDEPENDENT SIGHTINGS FROM FISHERMEN. THE 

ANIMAL WAS UNABLE TO BE RELOCATED BY USCG. NO 

FURTHER SIGHTINGS. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF 

GEAR UNKNOWN. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

DEAD HUMPBACK CALF FOUND DURING CCES 2018 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

MARINE MAMMAL CRUISE. WHALE HAD LINE AND BUOYS 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY WRAPPED AROUND TAIL. FISHERY CONFIRMED FROM TAG 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 9 21 (CALIFORNIA) SAN DIEGO CA DEAD ON BUOY. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. 

HUMPBACK NOT MOVING MUCH WITH CONSTRICTING 

DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

LINE BETWEEN HEAD AND DORSAL FIN, POSSIBLY 

ANCHORED. LINE IS INDENTING INTO SKIN AND OTHER 

INDENTATION MARKS ARE SEEN FROM WHERE LINE HAS 

MIGRATED TOWARDS REAR OF WHALE. PRIVATE VESSEL 

INSTRUCTED PASSENGER TO JUMP INTO WATER AND 

CLIMB ON TOP OF WHALE TO CUT LINE AWAY. 

UNAUTHORIZED DISTENTANGLEMENT EVENT. WHALE 

DANGEROUSLY THRASHED ITS FLUKES UPON THIS 

INTERACTION AND APPEARED TO SWIM OFF AFTER 

CITIZEN CUT LINE. UNKNOWN IF ALL GEAR WAS 

REMOVED, THIS IS CONSIDERED A PARTIAL 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY DISENTANGLEMENT. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 9 27 INTERACTION SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI GEAR UNKNOWN. VIDEO REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

HUMPBACK CALF WITH BLUE/GREEN LINE TRAILING 40-50 

FEET WITH THREE BUOYS (GREEN/WHITE) ATTACHED TO 

RIGHT PECTORAL FLIPPER. GREEN CA DUNGENESS CRAB 

TAG SEEN ON THE FIRST BUOY. BASED ON AERIAL PHOTOS, 

LINE MAY BE ATTACHED TO UNDERSIDE OF FLIPPER. 

WHALE OTHERWISE IN GOOD HEALTH AS SHOWN IN 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY PHOTOS. ACCOMPANIED BY MOTHER. PHOTOS REVIEWED 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 9 29 (CALIFORNIA) MONTEREY CA NSI BY J. CARRETTA. 

LINE ATTACHED TO WHALE AT UNKNOWN LOCATION AND 

NSI L3 0 N N 

CONFIGURATION WITH A RED AND WHITE BUOY ON THE 

SIDE OF THE WHALE NEAR THE PECTORAL FLIPPER. 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 9 30 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI (PRORATE) 

AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. 

REPORTING PARTY DESCRIBED AS CRAB POT GEAR. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

WHALE TRAILING 3 BUOYS TOTAL. 1 "CRAB STYLE" LARGER 

BUOY WITH 2 SMALLER BUOYS. REPORTING PARTY 

THOUGTHT THEY MAY HAVE ALL BEEN WHITE OR HAD 

SOME WHITE ON THEM BUT COULDN'T REMEMBER FOR 

SURE. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 9 30 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI (PRORATE) 

UNKNOWN. DIFFERENTIATED FROM OTHER 9/30/2018 

ENTANGLEMENT IN SAME AREA BY NUMBER AND COLOR 

HUMPBACK CALF ENTANGLED IN CONFIRMED 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

COMMERICAL SPOT PRAWN GEAR WHICH WAS SET 2 

DAYS PRIOR TO OBSERVATION AND PARTIAL RELEASE BY 

FISHERMAN. LARGE ORANGE BUOY NEAR FORWARD PART 

OF THE BODY WITH UNKNOWN ATTACHMENT POINT, 

LIKELY MOUTH OR PECTORAL FLIPPERS. FADED YELLOW 

BUOY TRAILING ABOUT 30FT BEHIND. BOTH ONLY VISIBLE 

WHEN SURFACING. FISHERMEN WINCHED UP CALF TO 

SIDE OF THE BOAT TO MAKE DISENTANGLEMENT CUTS. 

VERTICAL ASPECT PHOTO SHOWS LINE AND BUOY STILL 

ON TAIL AFTER REMOVED FROM GROUNDING LINE. NO 

FURTHER ACTION TAKEN AS WHALE SWAM OFF. AMOUNT SI 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 10 12 CA SPOT PRAWN TRAP FISHERY MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) AND CONFIGURATION OF REMAINING GEAR UNKNOWN. 

MULTIPLE WRAPS OF LINE EMBEDDED DEEPLY AT FLUKE 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

INSERTION WITH 400 FEET OF TRAILING LINE. 

CONSTRICTING ENTANGLEMENT. WHALE HAD SEVERAL 

LARGE PATCHES OF ORANGE-COLORED CYAMIDS, 

INDICATING A HEALTH DECLINE. INITIAL 

DISENTANGLEMENT RESPONSE REMOVED 

APPROXIMATELY 350 FEET OF TRAILING LINE. A 2ND 

DISTENTANGLEMENT EFFORT REMOVED MOST OF THE 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY LOOSE GEAR, BUT EMBEDDED LINE REMAINED. FISHERY 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 10 12 (OREGON) SAN MATEO CA SI POSITIVELY-IDENTIFIED FROM PERMIT TAG ON SI L2 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

NECROPSY FINDINGS. WHALE WAS IN GOOD BODY 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

CONDITION, A BIT THIN, BUT WITH ADEQUATE BLUBBER 

LAYER. THERE WERE AREAS OF HEMORRHAGE OVER THE 

DORSAL SURFACE OF THE CRANIUM AND ON THE DORSAL 

THORAX IMMEDIATELY CRANIAL TO THE DORSAL FIN AND 

EXTENDING TOWARDS THE CRANIUM. THE VERTEBRAE 

AND VERTEBRAL DISKS WERE DISBURSED THROUGHOUT 

THE BODY, MANY OF WHICH HAD PERIOSTEAL 

DISCOLORATION (BONE BRUISING). THE RIBS WERE 

INTACT BUT ALSO HAD SIMILAR BONE BRUISING. THE LEFT 

SCAPULA WAS FOUND 3 METERS AWAY FROM THE BODY 

WITH FRACTURES AND BONE BRUISING. THE CRANIUM 

HAD BONE BRUISING ON THE DORSAL SURFACE AND 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 10 13 VESSEL STRIKE MARIN CA DEAD FRACTURES ON THE PARAOCCIPITAL PROCESSES, AND DEAD NA 1 N Y 

REPORTING PARTY NOTED 2 ORANGE CRAB POT BUOYS 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 10 15 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT MENDOCINO CA SI (PRORATE) 

NEAR THE TAIL OF THE WHALE. AMOUNT AND 

CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. NO PHOTOS. 

PHOTOS SHOW WHALE WITH LARGE DIAGONAL, NARROWSI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

DIAMETER WOUND BETWEEN DORSAL HUMP AND 

BLOWHOLE. ORIENTATION OF WOUND IS FROM DORSAL 

SURFACE, EXTENDING DIAGONALLY TOWARDS REAR AND 

VENTRUM OF WHALE, CONSISTENT WITH A 

CONSTRICTING LINE EXPERIENCING DRAG. INDENTATION 

AND LARGE AREAS OF BODY COVERED WITH CYAMIDS, 

INDICATING A HEALTH DECLINE. PHOTOS INCONCLUSIVE 

ON WHETHER LINE IS STILL EMBEDDED IN WHALE, BUT 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY INJURY IS CONSISTENT WITH CONSTRICTING 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 11 3 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI ENTANGLEMENT. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. 

LOOSE DRAPED TRAILING LINE (30 FEET) WITH NO 

APPARENT TENSION AND SINGLE RED AND WHITE BUOY 

SI L2 1 Y Y 

APPEAR TO BE LOOSELY CONNECTED TO UNDERSIDE OF 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 11 4 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT MONTEREY CA NSI 

FLUKES, PERHAPS ATTACHED VIA BARNACLES. WHALE 

FREE-SWIMMING. PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. NSI L3 0 N N 

TIGHT WRAP OR WRAPS RIGHT AT THE FLUKE INSERTION 

WITH SHORT GREEN LINE TRAILING UNDERNEATH FLUKE 

AND TWO BUOYS APPROX 3 FEET BEHIND THE FLUKES 

AND ONLY COME TO THE SURFACE WHEN WHALE IS FLUKE 

UP DIVING. LACERATION IN FLUKE REGION EVIDENT FROM 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. EVIDENCE OF 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 11 17 INTERACTION SAN DIEGO CA SI CONSTRICTING WRAP. 

MULTIPLE WRAPS OF LINE OVER / AROUND BODY IN 

FRONT OF THE DORSAL FIN WITH EVIDENCE THE GEAR HAS 

SI L2 1 Y Y 

MOVED FROM BACK DUE TO ABRASIONS WITH 

ASSOCIATED SKIN DISCOLORATION. TWO BUOYS NEXT TO 

THE BODY NEAR THE WRAPS. AMOUNT AND 

DUNGENESS CRAB POT FISHERY CONFIGURATION OF GEAR UNKNOWN. POOR-QUALITY 

HUMPBACK WHALE CA/OR/WA 2018 12 3 (CALIFORNIA) MARIN CA SI PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. SI L10 0.75 Y Y 

ANIMAL REPORTED LIVE ON BEACH ROCKS WITH BLOOD
 

COMING FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE BODY. THE
 

ANIMAL HAD BRUISING IN THE THORACIC AREA WHERE
 

THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF HUMAN INTERACTION,
 

THOUGHT TO BE A METAL CABLE OF SOME KIND, THAT
 

FRACTURED THE VERTEBRA IN THAT AREA. USED CRITERIA
 

MINKE WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 6 6 MARINE DEBRIS MENDOCINO CA SI L5A DUE TO EVIDENCE OF BLOOD COMING FROM BODY. DEAD NA 1 N Y
 

TREMENDOUS HEMORRHAGE ASSOCIATED WITH BEING 

SHOT THROUGH LEFT SKULL; EXTENSIVE HEMORRHAGE 

ON LEFT DORSAL THORAX AND LEFT FLIPPER; RIGHT SIDE 

MINKE WHALE CA-OR-WA 2017 5 28 SHOOTING PACIFIC WA DEAD 

OF WHALE COULD NOT BE EXAMINED (HEAVY EQUIPMENT 

REQUIRED) 

FULL BLACKCOAT, MILDLY UNDERWEIGHT, SHIVERING, NO 

DEAD NA 1 N Y 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 2 26 HARASSMENT SAN LUIS OBISPO CA NSI TEETH. HARASSED. NSI P9 0 N N 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 3 3 HARASSMENT SANTA CRUZ CA NSI 

LETHARGIC, NOT MOVING WHEN APPROACHED BY DOGS 

AND PEOPLE, MODERATELY UNDERWEIGHT. HARASSED. NSI P9 0 N N 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

EMACIATED, LETHARGIC. TAR ON DORSUM, 2 PATCHES 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

CALIFORNIA 

CALIFORNIA 

2014 

2014 

3 

3 

9 

14 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

SAN LUIS OBISPO 

SAN MATEO 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

RIGHT CRUDAL AND RIGHT DORSAL/LAST RIB. 

EMACIATED, LETHARGIC, TAR ON RIGHT SIDE. 

SI 

SI 

P1 

P1 

1 

1 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

CALIFORNIA 

CALIFORNIA 

CALIFORNIA 

2014 

2014 

2014 

3 

3 

3 

14 

18 

19 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

HARASSMENT 

MONTEREY 

SAN LUIS OBISPO 

SAN LUIS OBISPO 

CA 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

NSI 

EMACIATED, LETHARGIC, HARASSED BY PEOPLE - POURING 

WATER. HARASSED/ OIL/TAR EXTERNAL EXAM 

EMACIATED, OIL / TAR. 

EMACIATED ANIMAL HARASSED BY DOGS ON BEACH 

SI 

SI 

NSI 

P1 

P1 

P9 

1 

1 

0 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

N 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

CALIFORNIA 

CALIFORNIA 

CALIFORNIA 

2014 

2014 

2014 

3 

3 

3 

20 

21 

30 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

MONTEREY 

MONTEREY 

MONTEREY 

CA 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

SI 

EMACIATED, LETHARGIC ANIMAL WITH OIL / TAR. 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH OIL / TAR. 

EMACIATED, TAR ABOVE RIGHT EYE AND ON LEFT SIDE OF 

BACK. OIL/TAR. 

BLACK RUBBER CORD AROUND NECK. DISENTANGLED AND 

SI 

SI 

SI 

P1 

P1 

P1 

1 

1 

1 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

Y 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

CALIFORNIA 

CALIFORNIA 

CALIFORNIA 

2014 

2014 

2014 

3 

4 

4 

31 

3 

5 

MARINE DEBRIS 

OIL / TAR 

HARASSMENT 

SONOMA 

MONTEREY 

SAN LUIS OBISPO 

CA 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

NSI 

TAGGED ON BEACH. GOOD BODY WEIGHT, MOLTING. 

EMACIATED AND ACTIVE. OIL / TAR 

EMACIATED ANIMAL ON BEACH TOUCHED/HANDLED BY 

MEMBERS OF PUBLIC 

NSI 

SI 

NSI 

P7B 

P1 

P9 

0 

1 

0 

N 

N 

N 

N 

Y 

N 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 4 7 HARASSMENT SAN MATEO CA NSI 

EMACIATED ANIMAL ON BEACH TOUCHED/HANDLED BY 

MEMBERS OF PUBLIC NSI P10 0 N N 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 4 8 OIL / TAR SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH OIL / TAR. 

WHITE PACKING STRAP ENTANGLEMENT EMBEDDED IN 

SI P1 1 N Y 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 4 13 MARINE DEBRIS SAN MATEO CA SI NECK. STRAP REMOVED DURING RECSUE EFFORT. NSI P7B 0 N N 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

CALIFORNIA 

CALIFORNIA 

2014 

2014 

4 

7 

29 

24 

OIL / TAR 

SHOOTING 

SAN MATEO 

CLATSOP 

CA 

OR 

SI 

DEAD 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH OIL / TAR. 

MULTIPLE SHOTS 

SI 

DEAD 

P1 

NA 

1 

1 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

CALIFORNIA CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL BREEDING 2014 9 21 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

CALIFORNIA 

BREEDING 2014 11 14 

HAWAII LONGLINE SHALLOW 

SET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA NSI 

ANIMAL HOOKED IN MOUTH/LIP, ANIMAL ALONGSIDE 

VESSEL, HOOK REMOVED WITHOUT INCIDENT, NO GEAR 

REMAINING ON ANIMAL, NO BLEEDING OR VISIBLE 

ANIMAL IN RIGOR MORTIS BROUGHT UP IN NET. ANIMAL 

NSI P5C 0 N N 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 2 3 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD 

CONDITION (NO DECOMPOSITION EVIDENT) EVIDENCE OF 

DROWNING. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

PEOPLE DRAGGING THE SEAL UP AND DOWN THE BEACH. 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 2 23 HARASSMENT SAN DIEGO CA SI TRANSFERRED TO REHAB FACILITY, OUTCOME UNKNOWN. 

HUMAN KILLED SEAL BY THROWING LARGE ROCK ON ITS 

SI P9 1 N Y 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 2 28 BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA SAN DIEGO CA DEAD HEAD MULTIPLE TIMES. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

BAD LOCATION, HARASSED BY DOGS, GOOD BODY 

WEIGHT AND CONDITION, PINK GUMS, VOCAL, FULL 

BLACK COAT. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. 

CONSIDERED A DEPENDENT ANIMAL RELEASED ALONE 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 2 28 HARASSMENT SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI AND THUS CONSIDERED A SERIOUS INJURY. SI P14 1 N Y 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 4 4 OIL / TAR SAN MATEO CA SI 

EMACIATED, TAR PATCHES ON RIGHT REAR FLIPPERS. 

ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 4 4 OIL / TAR SAN MATEO CA SI 

EMACIATED. LARGE AMOUNT OF TAR ON LEFT SIDE OF 

NECK. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. 

THIN AND LETHARGIC. TAR ON NECK AND SIDE IN 

DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MULTIPLE SPOTS (LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE) ABOUT 1.5X1.5 

INCHES WIDE. PEOPLE ON THE BEACH WERE PETTING THE 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 4 24 OIL / TAR 

LIMITED ENTRY SABLEFISH 

SAN DIEGO CA SI SEAL. TREATED AT REHAB FACILITY AND RELEASED. 

ANIMAL HAULED UP DEAD IN LONGLINE SABLEFISH GEAR. 

NSI P9 0 N N 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 4 25 HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE WA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SMALL PUNCTURE ON RIGHT VENTRAL MANDIBLE. 

ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

RESPONSE. 2-25% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN ON VENTRAL 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 5 22 OIL / TAR 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

SANTA BARBARA CA SI 

THORAX, VENTRAL CHIN, AND ON FLIPPER. TREATED AND 

RELEASED FROM REHAB FACILITY. NSI P9 0 N N 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 5 23 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE WA DEAD SMALL ELEPHANT SEAL DROWNED IN THE NET. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

EMACIATED, DEHYDRATED. 2-25% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN
 

ON HEAD AND FLANKS. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF 

THE REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. DIED IN REHAB
 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 5 23 OIL / TAR SANTA BARBARA CA SI FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y
 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

UNDERWEIGHT, FRESH TAR ON BODY, BLOODY HIND END, 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

LETHARGIC. TAR SAMPLED AT SLO AS PART OF SANTA 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 5 23 OIL / TAR SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI BARBARA OIL SPILL. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

CALIFORNIA 

CALIFORNIA 

2015 

2015 

5 

5 

24 

24 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

SANTA BARBARA 

SANTA BARBARA 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN ON VENTRUM, 

SHOULDERS BILATERALLY, HIND FLIPPERS AND RIGHT 

LATERAL ABDOMEN. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF 

REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. ANIMAL 

EUTHANIZED IN REHAB DUE TO SEVERE CATARACTS. 

SWOLLEN RECTAL AREA. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING 

SEEN ON HIND FLIPPER AND VENTRUM. ANIMAL WAS 

COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

RESPONSE. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB FACILITY. 

DEAD 

DEAD 

NA 

NA 

1 

1 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL 

CALIFORNIA 

CALIFORNIA 

2015 

2015 

5 

5 

25 

25 

OIL / TAR 

OIL / TAR 

VENTURA 

SANTA BARBARA 

CA 

CA 

SI 

SI 

ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO BEACH OIL SPILL 

RESPONSE. LESS THAN 2% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN ON 

VENTRUM, HIND FLIPPERS, AND TAIL. THIN AND 

DEHYDRATED. EUTHANIZED IN REHAB FACILITY. 

THIN, DEHYDRATED. SMALL LACERATIONS ON HEAD 

ABOVE RIGHT EYE AND MUZZLE. 2-25% EXTERNAL OILING 

SEEN ON FACE, NECK, CHEST, ABDOMEN, AND HIND 

FLIPPERS. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO 

BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB 

DEAD 

DEAD 

NA 

NA 

1 

1 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

2-25% EXTERNAL OILING SEEN ON DORSAL AND VENTRAL 

ABDOMEN. UNDERSIDE OF BOTH FRONT AND REAR 

FLIPPERS. ANIMAL COLLECTED AS PART OF REFUGIO 

BEACH OIL SPILL RESPONSE. ANIMAL DIED IN REHAB 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 6 6 OIL / TAR 

LIMITED ENTRY SABLEFISH 

SANTA BARBARA CA SI FACILITY. NECROPSY REVEALED COMPLEX MANDIBULAR DEAD NA 1 N Y 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 7 21 HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. OBSERVER PROGRAM. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 10 1 MARINE DEBRIS SAN MATEO CA SI 

ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK CUTTING INTO THE 

VENTRAL SIDE AND LOOSE ON THE BACK OF THE NECK. 

REMOVED IN FIELD WITHOUT SEDATION. NSI P7B 0 N N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 10 23 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

DISENTANGLED ON THE BEACH FROM A ROPE AROUND 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 12 7 MARINE DEBRIS SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI NECK, WOUND BLED SLIGHTLY AFTER DISENTANGLEMENT. NSI P7B 0 N N 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2015 12 30 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL DISTENTANGLED FROM WHITE PACKING BAND 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 1 22 MARINE DEBRIS SAN LUIS OBISPO CA NSI ON SITE. NO INFORMATION ON ANIMAL'S CONDITION. NSI P7B 0 N N 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 1 24 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL DISENTANGLED FROM WHITE PACKING STRAP 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 1 30 MARINE DEBRIS SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI CONSTRICTING BODY; ANIMAL RELEASED ON SITE. NSI P7B 0 N N 

WEANED PUP BEING HARASSED BY PUBLIC. RELOCATED 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 2 21 HARASSMENT SAN MATEO CA NSI TO ANO NUEVO. NSI P9 0 N N 

CALIFORNIA OPEN ACCESS CA HALIBUT 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL BREEDING 2016 4 10 BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

EMACIATED, LETHARGIC, MULTIPLE MINOR SKIN WOUNDS 

WITH FEW ABSCESSES, HARSH LUNG SOUNDS, MULTIPLE 

SMALL CORNEAL OPACITIES NOTED BILATERALLY. PIECE 

OF WHITE PLASTIC TUBE FOUND IN STOMACH DURING 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 4 27 MARINE DEBRIS MONTEREY CA SI POST-MORTEM EXAM. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 5 24 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 6 16 SHOOTING NA OR DEAD 

EXTENSIVE HEMORRHAGE IN HEAD AND AT THORAX AND 

SCAPULAE AREA; SMALL PELLET-LIKE HOLES IN HEAD AND 

ONE IN ORBITAL BONE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

ANIMAL DESCRIBED AS HAVING EXCELLENT BODY 

CONDITION, ENTANGLED IN UNDESCRIBED MATERIAL. 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 11 5 MARINE DEBRIS SAN MATEO CA SI DISENTANGLED / RELEASED ON SITE. 

PUBLIC WAS TOUCHING AND HARASSING A PUP. PICKED 

NSI P7B 0 N N 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 2 3 HARASSMENT SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI UP TREATED AND RELEASED BY REHAB FACILITY. SI P14 1 N Y 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 2 23 HARASSMENT MARIN CA SI PUBLIC HARASSING A MILDLY UNDERWEIGHT PUP. SI P14 1 N Y 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 2 26 HARASSMENT SAN MATEO CA SI PUBLIC HARASSING A MILDLY UNDERWEIGHT PUP. SI P14 1 N Y
 
Serious Serious 

Injury Injury Count Count 

Initial Injury Final Injury Criteria Proration Against Against 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State Assessment Comments Assessment Code Value LOF PBR 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH OIL / TAR ON IT BEING 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 3 27 OIL / TAR SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI HARASSED BY PEOPLE. SI P9 1 N Y 

EMACIATED ANIMAL WITH THREE FISH HOOKS IN CHIN 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 3 30 HOOK AND LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI AND REAR FLIPPER. SI P5B 1 N Y 

PACKING STRAP ENTANGLEMENT AROUND NECK. ANIMAL 

DISENTANGLED IN THE FIELD WITHOUT SEDATION. 

ANIMAL LEFT AT SITE, NO FURTHER DETAILS ON EXTENT 

OF INJURY. CONSERVATIVELY ASSIGNED AS A SERIOUS 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 4 2 MARINE DEBRIS SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI INJURY DUE TO LACK OF DETAILS ON INJURY SEVERITY. SI P7B 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH OIL / TAR ON IT BEING 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 4 10 OIL / TAR MONTEREY CA SI HARASSED BY PEOPLE. SI P9 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH OIL / TAR ON IT BEING 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 4 11 OIL / TAR ORANGE CA SI HARASSED BY PEOPLE. SI P9 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH OIL / TAR ON IT BEING 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 4 12 OIL / TAR ORANGE CA SI HARASSED BY PEOPLE. SI P9 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH OIL / TAR ON IT BEING 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 4 12 OIL / TAR ORANGE CA SI HARASSED BY PEOPLE. SI P9 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH OIL / TAR ON IT BEING 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 4 14 OIL / TAR ORANGE CA SI HARASSED BY PEOPLE. SI P9 1 N Y 

ANIMAL IN GOOD BODY CONDITION RELOCATED BECAUSE 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 4 14 HARASSMENT SONOMA CA NSI OF HARASSMENT BY PEOPLE AND DOGS. NSI P9 0 N N 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 4 19 HARASSMENT SAN DIEGO CA SI UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH ORANGE PAINT ON SI P9 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH OIL AND TAR PATCHES AND 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 4 25 OIL / TAR ORANGE CA SI PUNCTURE WOUND ON NECK. SI P9 1 N Y 

UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH TAR ON FACE AND 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 5 4 OIL / TAR ORANGE CA SI ABDOMEN. SI P9 1 N Y 

HARASSED BY PEOPLE AND DOGS. RELOCATED TO A 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 5 26 HARASSMENT MARIN CA NSI DIFFERENT BEACH. NSI P9 0 N N 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 6 9 OIL / TAR ORANGE CA SI UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH TAR PATCHES ON BODY. SI P9 1 N Y 

MS CATCHER VESSELS 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 6 14 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE WA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

ANIMAL IN GOOD BODY CONDITION RELOCATED BECAUSE 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 6 18 HARASSMENT SAN DIEGO CA NSI OF HEAVY LEVEL OF HARASSMENT BY PEOPLE. NSI P9 0 N N 

ANIMAL IN GOOD BODY CONDITION RELOCATED BECAUSE 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 7 18 HARASSMENT SAN DIEGO CA NSI OF HEAVY LEVEL OF HARASSMENT BY PEOPLE. NSI P9 0 N N 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 8 13 VESSEL STRIKE MONTEREY CA DEAD CLEAR PROPELLER STRIKE WOUNDS ON SIDE OF ANIMAL. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

GULF OF ALASKA PACIFIC COD 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 9 12 LONGLINE OFFSHORE AK DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 11 14 FISHERY NA CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

OBSERVER PROGRAM. ANIMAL WITH WHITE MATERIAL 

AROUND NECK DUMPED BACK OVERBOARD AFTER BEING 

GULF OF ALASKA SABLEFISH BROUGHT ON DECK. OBSERVER NOTED THAT THE ANIMAL 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 11 16 LONGLINE OFFSHORE AK SI WAS INJURED. SI P4 1 Y Y 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 11 17 FISHERY NA CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 12 11 FISHERY NA CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

PATCHES OF OIL/TAR ON AN EMACIATED ELEPHANT SEAL 

IN MULTIPLE LOCATIONS: 5-6CM PATCH ON CAUDAL 

DORSUM, 0.5-1CM PATCHES ON VENTRUM, LEFT LATERAL 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 3 6 OIL / TAR SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI BODY, AND ALONG LEFT FRONT FLIPPER. SI P9 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL ON A BEACH WITH PEOPLE 

POLING IT WITH STICKS, MULTIPLE TAR PATCHES PRESENT 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 3 27 OIL / TAR MONTEREY CA SI ON RIGHT/LEFT HIPS AND FLIPPERS. SI P9 1 N Y 

ANIMAL BEING HARASSED BY PEOPLE ON BUSY BEACH 

THROWING SAND AT SEAL. IN GOOD BODY CONDITION 

(MILDLY UNDERWEIGHT BUT NOT UNUSUAL) AND 

EXHIBITING REGULAR BEHAVIOR BUT NOT AVOIDING 

HARASSMENT. RELOCATED TO POINT LOBOS STATE 

RESERVE (WHALERS COVE), CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 3 27 HARASSMENT MONTEREY CA NSI MONTEREY COUNTY, CA, USA ON MARCH 29 2018. NSI P9 0 N N
 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 
 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

MILDLY UNDERWEIGHT SEAL WITH TAR PATCHES PRESENT 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

ON NECK AND SHOULDERS, GUMMY EYES. PEOPLE 

GETTING CLOSE TO TAKE PICTURES AND TOUCHING 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 4 4 OIL / TAR MONTEREY CA NSI ANIMAL, PEOPLE TOSSING SAND AT IT. NSI P9 0 N N 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL WITH TAR/OIL PATCHES, SMALL 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 4 21 OIL / TAR SANTA CRUZ CA SI PUNCTURE WOUND ON RIGHT CHEEK. SI P9 1 N Y 

MALNOURISHED ANIMAL DESCRIBED AS HAVING 

INTERACTED WITH HOOK AND LINE FISHERY. NO DETAILS 

ON INJURY TYPE OR SEVERITY, OR OUTCOME. ASSUMING 

HOOKS WERE IN OR NEAR MOUTH DUE TO CONDITION OF 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 4 28 HOOK & LINE FISHERY LOS ANGELES CA SI ANIMAL. SI P5A 1 Y Y 

CA HALIBUT AND WHITE 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 5 2 SEABASS SET GILLNET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 5 26 OIL / TAR GRAYS HARBOR WA SI UNDERWEIGHT ANIMAL WITH TAR/OIL ON BODY. SI P9 1 N Y 

ANIMAL IN GOOD BODY CONDITION WITH ONE FISHING 

HOOK IN LEFT REAR FLIPPER, AND ANOTHER HOOK ABOVE 

LEFT REAR FLIPPER. BOTH HOOKS REMOVED AND ANIMAL 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 5 30 HOOK & LINE FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA NSI WAS RELEASED ON SITE. NSI P5C 0 N N 

HIND FLIPPER HAD BLOOD AND PUNCTURE WOUNDS, 

LACERATION ON RIGHT SIDE. ANIMAL WAS LETHARGIC, 

EMACIATED AND HAD MODERATE, YELLOWISH 

MUCOPURULENT DISCHARGE FROM THE EYES. ANIMAL 

WAS TAGGED AS A WEANED PUP ON 2/23/18 ON DRAKES 

BEACH IN POINT REYES NATIONAL SEASHORE. IT WAS 

RECORDED THAT THE ANIMAL WAS FEMALE, TAG 

NUMBER S834. ON 6/5 SEAL WAS EUTHANIZED DUE IT 

UNIDENTIFIED HUMAN BEING UNRESPOSIVE ON THE BEACH. LACERATION ON 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 6 4 INTERACTION GRAYS HARBOR WA SI RIGHT SIDE, SMALL LACERATION ON RIGHT FLIPPER, DEAD NA 1 N Y 

MARINE DEBRIS ENTANGLEMENT. WRAPPED UP IN ROPE 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 9 4 MARINE DEBRIS MENDOCINO CA DEAD WITH BARNACLES ON IT. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PATIENT FOUND LYING IN THE MIDDLE OF A GRAVEL 

ROAD WITH TOWELS ON IT THAT SOMEONE PUT OVER. 

PATIENT WAS ALSO MOLTING. NO OTHER DETAILS ON 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 10 14 HARASSMENT MARIN CA NSI ANIMAL'S CONDITION. NSI P9 0 N N 

OBSERVER PROGRAM. ANIMAL RETURNED TO WATER 

BERING SEA AND ALEUTIAN INJURED. ALSO REPORTED VIA MMAP PROGRAM WITH 

ISLANDS ATKA MACKEREL CONDITION REPORTED AS "LISTNESSNESS / INABILITY TO 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 10 20 TRAWL OFFSHORE AK SI DEFEND". SI P4 1 Y Y 

A JUVENILE NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL WAS HAULED OUT 

AT SAN CLEMENTE ISLAND. THE ANIMAL HAD A WIDE (10 -

15 CM) RUBBER BAND CONSTRICTING ITS NECK. THE 

ANIMAL'S BODY CONDITION WAS GOOD, BUT THE RUBBER 

BAND IS MADE OF THICK MATERIAL AND WILL CONTINUE 

NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 10 29 MARINE DEBRIS LOS ANGELES CA SI TO CONSTRICT THE ANIMAL AS IT GROWS. SI P8A 1 N Y 

TWO FUR SEALS WERE FOUND DEAD AND ENTANGLED IN 

EASTERN PACIFIC- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY A MASSIVE WAD OF BLUE GREEN TRAWL NET. THIS IS FUR 

NORTHERN FUR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 5 12 INTERACTION LINCOLN OR DEAD SEAL ONE OF TWO. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

TWO FUR SEALS WERE FOUND DEAD AND ENTANGLED IN 

EASTERN PACIFIC- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY A MASSIVE WAD OF BLUE GREEN TRAWL NET. THIS IS FUR 

NORTHERN FUR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 5 12 INTERACTION LINCOLN OR DEAD SEAL ONE OF TWO. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

A FUR SEAL WAS FOUND DEAD AND A NECROPSY WAS 

CONDUCTED. A NET WAS RECOVERED, BUT NO 

INFORMATION ON THE CONFIGURATION OF THE NET WAS 

EASTERN PACIFIC- UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY REPORTED. THE REPORTING PARTY INDICATED THE 

NORTHERN FUR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2014 5 21 INTERACTION CLATSOP OR DEAD MORTALITY WAS FISHERIES RELATED. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

EMACIATED, LETHARGIC, NON-RESPONSIVE TO HUMAN 

EASTERN PACIFIC- CONTACT, AND ALERT. TAR SPOT ON LEFT SIDE. 

NORTHERN FUR SEAL CALIFORNIA 

EASTERN PACIFIC2014 12 3 OIL / TAR MONTEREY CA SI MATERNAL SEPARATION, PNEUMONIA, OIL. A NORTHERN FUR SEAL WAS CAUGHT AND KILLED IN 

SI P1 1 N Y 

NORTHERN FUR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2016 10 23 AT-SEA HAKE PELAGIC TRAWL NA OR DEAD TRAWL GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

NORTHERN FUR SEAL 

EASTERN PACIFICCALIFORNIA 2016 12 3 DOG ATTACK SAN FRANCISCO CA DEAD PUP NECROPSIED, CAUSE OF DEATH DETERMINED TO BE 

CANINE ATTACK. DEAD NA 1 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

CARCASS WITH SECTION OF BOTTOM TRAWL NET 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

NORTHERN FUR SEAL 

NORTHERN FUR SEAL 

EASTERN PACIFICCALIFORNIA 

EASTERN PACIFICCALIFORNIA 

2017 

2017 

3 

3 

4 

8 

TRAWL FISHERY (UNKNOWN) 

TRAWL FISHERY (UNKNOWN) 

CLATSOP 

LINCOLN 

OR 

OR 

DEAD 

DEAD 

(CONFIRMED) AROUND THE FUR SEAL'S NECK (3-STRAND 

POLYPROPYLENE). 

ONE OF TWO JUVENILES FOUND ENTANGLED IN GREEN 

TRAWL NET MATERIAL. 

DEAD 

DEAD 

NA 

NA 

1 

1 

Y 

Y 

Y 

Y 

EASTERN PACIFIC- ONE OF TWO JUVENILES FOUND ENTANGLED IN GREEN 

NORTHERN FUR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 3 8 TRAWL FISHERY (UNKNOWN) LINCOLN OR DEAD TRAWL NET MATERIAL. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SEAL BOMB USED AS DETERRENT TO ANIMAL FEEDING ON 

LIMITED ENTRY SABLEFISH CATCH. ALIVE, NO VISIBLE SIGN OF INJURY. OBSERVER 

NORTHERN FUR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2017 8 18 HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE CA NSI PROGRAM. NSI P9 0 N N 

PLASTIC STRING, CORD OR STRAP WRAPPED AROUND 

NECK, CUTTING INTO INTEGUMENT. THIS YOUNG MALE 

NORTHERN FUR SEAL WAS TRANSFERRED BRIEFLY TO 

EASTERN PACIFIC- OREGON COAST AQUARIUM ON 1/22/18. IT WAS 

NORTHERN FUR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 1 22 MARINE DEBRIS DOUGLAS OR SI DISENTANGLED, HELD OVERNIGHT, AND RELEASED THE NSI P7B 0 N N 

PATIENT FOUND LETHARGIC AND EMACITATED COVERED 

NORTHERN FUR SEAL CALIFORNIA 2018 10 27 OIL / TAR SAN LUIS OBISPO CA SI IN OIL/TAR, MATTED FUR, AND PEOPLE HARASSING SEAL. SI P9 1 N Y 

NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2014 1 3 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

EXTENSIVE FOOTROPE ROLLER MARKS ON ANIMAL; FLUKE 

EDGES AND PART OF PECTORALS CUT OFF; BROKEN RIBS; 

VARIOUS HEMORRHAGIC AREAS; COPIOUS AMOUNT OF 

NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY CLEAR PINK FLUID IN BRAIN CASE; THE DOLPHIN HAD 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2016 4 10 INTERACTION UNKNOWN OR DEAD EXCELLENT BODY CONDITION DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE CATCHER PROCESSOR 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2016 9 30 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2017 1 10 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

NORTHERN RIGHT WHALE CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2017 11 12 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

THIS ANIMAL HAD A LARGE LACERATION THAT APPEARED 

TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A PROPELLER STRIKE. A 

NECROPSY ON THE ANIMAL REVEALED INTERNAL 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED BRUISING, SEVERAL FRACTURED VERTEBRAE, AND A SKULL 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2014 3 26 VESSEL STRIKE SAN JUAN WA DEAD FRACTURE ABOVE THE LEFT EYE. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2014 5 14 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD KILLED IN GEAR DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

OFF POINT SUR, CALIFORNIA, A PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DOLPHIN WAS CAUGHT IN A COBB MIDWATER TRAWL. 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2014 6 1 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE CA DEAD DOLPHIN WAS DEAD WITHOUT ANY VISIBLE INJURIES. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED ONE OF SIX PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS CAUGHT IN A 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2014 6 21 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE WA DEAD SURFACE TRAWL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED ONE OF SIX PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS CAUGHT IN A 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2014 6 21 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE WA DEAD SURFACE TRAWL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED ONE OF SIX PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS CAUGHT IN A 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2014 6 21 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE WA DEAD SURFACE TRAWL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED ONE OF SIX PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS CAUGHT IN A 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2014 6 21 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE WA DEAD SURFACE TRAWL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED ONE OF SIX PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS CAUGHT IN A 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2014 6 21 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE WA DEAD SURFACE TRAWL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED ONE OF SIX PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS CAUGHT IN A 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2014 6 21 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE WA DEAD SURFACE TRAWL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

TAKE OCCURRED DURING THE SECOND SURFACE TRAWL 

OF THE NIGHT AT APPROX. 200M BOTTOM DEPTH. 

WEATHER WAS VERY CALM AND THE MOON WAS BRIGHT 

(1/3 PHASE). TOW WAS 30 MINUTES AND DOLPHIN WAS 

FIRST NOTED UPON RETRIEVAL OF THE NET. THE DOLPHIN 

WAS CAUGHT IN THE BOTTOM OF THE GRID ON THE 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED MARINE MAMMAL EXCLUDER DEVICE BY ITS LEFT 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2015 8 26 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE WA DEAD PECTORAL FLIPPER AND WAS DEAD UPON PULLING THE DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2015 8 30 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD 1 OF 2 ANIMALS KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Injury Injury Count Count 

Initial Injury Final Injury Criteria Proration Against Against 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State Assessment Comments Assessment Code Value LOF PBR 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2015 8 30 CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD 2 OF 2 ANIMALS KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2016 5 15 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE CA DEAD KILLED IN A MIDWATER TRAWL. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED ONE OF SEVEN PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS CAUGHT 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2016 7 18 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE WA DEAD IN A SURFACE TRAWL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED ONE OF SEVEN PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS CAUGHT 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2016 7 18 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE WA DEAD IN A SURFACE TRAWL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED ONE OF SEVEN PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS CAUGHT 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2016 7 18 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE WA DEAD IN A SURFACE TRAWL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED ONE OF SEVEN PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS CAUGHT 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2016 7 18 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE WA DEAD IN A SURFACE TRAWL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED ONE OF SEVEN PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS CAUGHT 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2016 7 18 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE WA DEAD IN A SURFACE TRAWL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED ONE OF SEVEN PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS CAUGHT 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2016 7 18 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE WA DEAD IN A SURFACE TRAWL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED ONE OF SEVEN PACIFIC WHITE SIDED DOLPHINS CAUGHT 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2016 7 18 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE WA DEAD IN A SURFACE TRAWL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

IN ADDITION TO THE 7 DEAD DOLPHINS RETRIEVED DEAD 

FROM THIS TRAWL ON 7/18/2016, AN 8TH ANIMAL WAS 

SEEN VIA VIDEO CAMERA ATTACHED TO NET ESCAPING 

ALIVE THROUGH THE MARINE MAMMAL EXCLUDER 

DEVICE. CONDITION OF ANIMAL UNKNOWN UPON ESCAPE 

AND BASED ON DEAD CONDITION OF 7 ASSOCIATED 

ANIMALS THAT WERE TRAPPED FOR A SUFFICIENT 

DURATION TO RESULT IN DEATH, THIS IS BEING ASSIGNED 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED AS A SERIOUS INJURY DUE TO UNKNOWN EFFECTS OF 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2016 7 18 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE WA SI CAPTURE MYOPATHY. SI S7B 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED DORSAL FIN AND FLIPPER TIPS CUT OFF. HEMORRAGHING 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2017 5 12 GILLNET FISHERY CLATSOP OR DEAD AND HEAVY BRUISING. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED CATCHER PROCESSOR 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2017 5 30 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE WA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2017 NA NA CATCH SHARES BOTTOM TRAWL OFFSHORE CA DEAD ANIMAL KILLED IN GEAR. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2018 6 14 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE CA DEAD MALE 175 CM CAUGHT IN TRAWL DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2018 6 14 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE CA DEAD CAUGHT AND KILLED IN TRAWL GEAR. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2018 7 24 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE OR DEAD CAUGHT AND KILLED IN TRAWL GEAR. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2018 7 24 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE OR DEAD CAUGHT AND KILLED IN TRAWL GEAR. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

PACIFIC WHITE-SIDED 

DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2018 8 28 SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OFFSHORE CA DEAD CAUGHT AND KILLED IN TRAWL GEAR. DEAD NA 1 N Y 

FISHERY INTERACTION: DORSAL FIN HAS BEEN CLEANLY 

CUT OFF, FLUKES AT THE PEDUNCLE HAVE BEEN CLEANLY 

CUT OFF EXPOSING BONE (MINIMUM TOTAL BODY 

LENGTH AT THIS POINT = 267.9 CM). ANIMAL WAS IN 

ADVANCED DECOMPOSITION AND HAD BEEN SCAVENGED, 

OTHER POSSIBLE MARKINGS ARE CBD. SEX ID PER 

GENETICS. MUTILATION / CUTTING OFF OF BODY PARTS 

RISSO'S DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2016 1 21 GILLNET FISHERY SAN DIEGO CA DEAD CONSISTENT WITH HOW ANIMALS ARE REMOVED FROM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SHORT-FINNED PILOT CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET OBSERVER PROGRAM, ALSO RECORDED AS A SELFWHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 1 5 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD REPORTED CASE BY VESSEL CAPTAIN. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

SHORT-FINNED PILOT CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

WHALE CA-OR-WA 2014 1 19 FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

FRESH DEAD ANIMAL WITH RIGHT FLIPPER AND RIGHT 

FLUKE SEVERED; VARIOUS GASHES, CUTS (SOME 

PARALLEL), AND ABRASIONS ON HEAD AND BODY; 

BLOWHOLE REDDENED AND SWOLLEN; HEMORRHAGE ALL 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY ALONG MANDIBLES; SEVERE INFESTATION OF EMBEDDED 

STRIPED DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2015 11 6 INTERACTION CLATSOP OR DEAD AND ENCYSTED PARASITES IN COLON. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 
 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

GAFF INJURY ON PEDUNCLE; ROSTRUM BROKEN; "TEAR" 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

IN TISSUE AT MELON/ROSTRUM JUNCTION; LUNGS FILLED 

WITH SAND, HIGHLY INFLATED, AND VERY FRIABLE; A 

SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF BLOODY FLUID IN THORACIC 

CAVITY; CREPITUS AROUND KIDNEYS; FAIRLY HEAVY 

STRIPED DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2016 1 30 GILLNET FISHERY CLATSOP OR DEAD PARASITE LOAD. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

LUNGS HIGHLY INFLATED AND HEMORRHAGED; 

INDENTATIONS WITH 3-CM SPACING DORSALLY; A 

SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF BLOODY FLUID IN THORACIC 

STRIPED DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2016 1 30 GILLNET FISHERY CLATSOP OR SI AND ABDOMINAL CAVITIES. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

GAFF INJURY AT PEDUNCLE; BLOWHOLE BLOODY; DARK 

RED FLUID IN THORACIC CAVITY; A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT 

OF CEREBRAL SPINAL FLUID IN BRAINCASE; HEAVY LOAD 

OF LUNG PARASITES; CREPITUS ENCASED THE KIDNEYS; 

STRIPED DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2016 2 1 GILLNET FISHERY CLATSOP OR DEAD ADRENALS ABNORMAL. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

MASSIVE BRUISING AND HEMORRHAGE WITH LINE 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY MARKS; RIGHT LOWER JAW BROKEN; RIB MARKS ON 

STRIPED DOLPHIN CA-OR-WA 2017 2 25 INTERACTION TILLAMOOK OR DEAD RIGHT LUNG; THROAT CUT FROM FLIPPER TO FLIPPER. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

CAUGHT IN FORENET, THE CREW REMOVED AND 

CATCHER PROCESSOR RELEASED OVER THE STERN. SERIOUS INJURY BECAUSE 

UNIDENTIFIED DOLPHIN NA 2016 10 1 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR SI ANIMAL WAS REMOVED FROM WATER AND WAS ON SI S4 1 Y Y 

TAIL WRAPPED IN LINE OF A SPOT PRAWN TRAP. NO 

UNIDENTIFIED DOLPHIN NA 2017 8 2 CA SPOT PRAWN TRAP FISHERY VENTURA CA DEAD NECROPSY, NO FURTHER DETAILS. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED DOLPHIN NA 2018 10 22 

CA SWORDFISH DRIFT GILLNET 

FISHERY OFFSHORE CA DEAD OBSERVER PROGRAM DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED SEA LION HOOKED IN LIP IN LOWER 

HAWAII LONGLINE SHALLOW MOUTH. LEADER WAS CUT AND HOOK AND SHORT 

UNIDENTIFIED OTARIID NA 2014 10 15 SET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA SI SECTION OF LINE REMAINED ON ANIMAL. SI P5B 1 Y Y 

SUSPECTED SHOOTING; MUCH OF THE CARCASS WAS 

FURLESS; NUMEROUS SUSPICIOUS HOLES ALONG LEFT 

SIDE OF BODY WITH POSSIBLE ASSOCIATED 

UNIDENTIFIED OTARIID NA 2015 7 18 SHOOTING CLATSOP OR DEAD HEMORRHAGE; THE ANIMAL HAD GOOD TO EXCELLENT DEAD NA 1 N Y 

HOOKED IN LIP (LOWER RIGHT, ALONG WITH A FISH 

INITIALLY) BY 18/0 OFFSET FLAT CIRCLE HOOK (4.8MM 

HAWAII LONGLINE SHALLOW 

DIAMETER). ANIMAL WAS STRUGGLING AS IT WAS PULLED 

AND HELD BEHIND THE VESSEL. LINE CUT: HOOK AND 2M 

UNIDENTIFIED OTARIID NA 2015 12 4 SET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA SI MONOFILAMENT LEADER LEFT ON ANIMAL. SI P5B, P6 1 Y Y 

HOOKED IN LEFT PECTORAL FLIPPER BY 18/0 OFFSET FLAT 

CIRCLE HOOK (4.8MM DIAMETER). ANIMAL WAS 

STRUGGLING AS IT WAS PULLED TOWARD THE VESSEL. 

HAWAII LONGLINE SHALLOW LINE CUT: HOOK, 2M MONOFILAMENT LEADER, AND 

UNIDENTIFIED OTARIID NA 2015 12 7 SET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA SI LIGHT STICK LEFT ON ANIMAL. SI P6 1 Y Y 

LIMITED ENTRY SABLEFISH KILLED IN GEAR. WEATHER TOO ROUGH TO DETERMINE 

UNIDENTIFIED PINNIPED NA 2015 9 21 HOOK AND LINE OFFSHORE OR DEAD SPECIES. OBSERVER PROGRAM. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

HOOKED IN MOUTH AREA (PART NOT SPECIFIED, 

ALTHOUGH HOOK ATTACHMENT SEEN, SO INGESTION 

UNLIKELY) BY 18/0 OFFSET FLAT CIRCLE HOOK (4.8MM 

HAWAII LONGLINE SHALLOW 

DIAMETER). THE ANIMAL WAS BEING PULLED BY THE 

MOVEMENT OF THE VESSEL WHEN THE LINE BROKE 

UNIDENTIFIED PINNIPED NA 2015 12 2 SET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA SI WHERE HOOK ATTACHED: HOOK LEFT ON ANIMAL. SI P5A 1 Y Y 

HOOKED IN CHEEK (LEFT) BY 18/0 OFFSET FLAT CIRCLE 

HAWAII LONGLINE SHALLOW 

HOOK (4.8MM DIAMETER). ANIMAL WAS STRUGGLING AS 

IT WAS PULLED AND HELD BEHIND THE VESSEL. LINE CUT: 

UNIDENTIFIED PINNIPED NA 2015 12 5 SET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA SI HOOK AND 1M MONOFILAMENT LEADER LEFT ON SI P6 1 Y Y 

HOOKED IN UNKNOWN BODY LOCATION (POSSIBLY THE 

HEAD OR MOUTH) BY 18/0 OFFSET FLAT CIRCLE HOOK 

(4.8MM DIAMETER). AS THE ANIMAL WAS BEING 

BROUGHT CLOSER TO THE VESSEL, THE BRANCHLINE SLID 

OFF THE MAINLINE, WHICH WAS BROKEN: HOOK, 5.6 

HAWAII LONGLINE SHALLOW MONOFILAMENT LEADER, 45G AND 75G WEIGHT, AND 

UNIDENTIFIED PINNIPED NA 2015 12 6 SET FISHERY OFFSHORE CA SI 12M BRANCHLINE LEFT ON ANIMAL. SI P6 1 Y Y 

CATCHER PROCESSOR ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WITHOUT 

UNIDENTIFIED PINNIPED NA 2016 11 8 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI APPARENT INJURY. NSI P4 0 N N 
Serious Serious 

Injury Injury Count Count 

Initial Injury Final Injury Criteria Proration Against Against 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State Assessment Comments Assessment Code Value LOF PBR 

CATCHER PROCESSOR ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WITHOUT 

UNIDENTIFIED PINNIPED NA 2016 11 8 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI APPARENT INJURY. NSI P4 0 N N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WITHOUT 

UNIDENTIFIED PINNIPED NA 2016 11 8 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI APPARENT INJURY. NSI P4 0 N N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WITHOUT 

UNIDENTIFIED PINNIPED NA 2016 11 12 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI APPARENT INJURY. NSI P4 0 N N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WITHOUT 

UNIDENTIFIED PINNIPED NA 2016 11 12 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI APPARENT INJURY. NSI P4 0 N N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WITHOUT 

UNIDENTIFIED PINNIPED NA 2016 11 12 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI APPARENT INJURY. NSI P4 0 N N 

CATCHER PROCESSOR ANIMAL BRIEFLY ENTANGLED AND RELEASED WITHOUT 

UNIDENTIFIED PINNIPED NA 2016 11 13 MIDWATER TRAWL OFFSHORE OR NSI APPARENT INJURY. NSI P4 0 N N 

REPORTED BY COMMERCIAL FISHERMAN, A 25' 

"HUMPBACK" WHALE WITH "KING CRAB" RED POLY BUOY 

WRAPPED AROUND TAIL AND TRAILING BUOY ATTACHED 

TO HEAD; FISHERMAN TRIED TO CUT LINE WITH KNIFE ON 

END OF POLE BUT THE WHALE WAS TOO ACTIVE; WAS 

SWIMMING AND DIVING, HEADING IN SOUTHWARD 

UNIDENTIFIED POT/TRAP 

DIRECTION, SEA STATE DETERIORATING WTH 

APPROACHING STORM SYSTEM. SPECIES ID NOT SI 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2014 3 4 FISHERY ENTANGLEMENT TILLAMOOK OR SI (PRORATE) CONFIRMED. GEAR CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

REPORTED ENTANGLED WHALE TRAILING GEAR JUST 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY OUTSIDE BROOKINGS HARBOR. GEAR CONFIGURATION SI 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2014 4 16 INTERACTION CURRY OR SI (PRORATE) AND AMOUNT UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 2 "MOSSY" BUOYS, 1 WHITE, 1 UNKNOWN COLOR. GEAR SI 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2014 9 26 INTERACTION SANTA CRUZ CA SI (PRORATE) AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

PHOTOS OF LINE RUNNING FROM MOUTH AREA, NO 

BUOYS OR MARKINGS, ANIMAL DEAD AND CARCASS IN 

POOR OVERALL CONDITION; LIKELY A GRAY WHALE GIVEN 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

SIZE/TIMING/LOCATIONAPPARENT MORPHOLOGY, BUT 

RECORDED AS UNIDENTIFIED. GEAR AMOUNT AND 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2015 3 1 INTERACTION VENTURA CA DEAD CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. DEAD NA 1 Y Y 

WHALE REPORTED WITH 'TAIL WRAP' AND TWO BUOYS: 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2015 5 3 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) 

WHITE AND YELLOW/ORANGE. GEAR AMOUNT AND 

CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY WHALE TOWING THREE ORANGE FOAM BUOYS AND ROPE. SI 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2015 5 9 INTERACTION MENDOCINO CA SI (PRORATE) GEAR AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

WHALE REPORTED BY SAILING VESSEL AS ENTANGLED IN 

GILLNET / WEBBING NEAR TAIL, WITH 'LOTS OF BUOYS'. 

TWO BUOYS WERE ORANGE-COLORED. WHALE BEHAVIOR 

REPORTED AS THRASHING HARD. NO PHOTOS. THOUGHT SI 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2015 5 28 GILLNET FISHERY SANTA BARBARA CA SI (PRORATE) TO BE EITHER HUMPBACK OR GRAY WHALE. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

WHALE PULLING TWO BUOYS, SEEMED LIKE LINE ON TAIL; 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY CONFIRMED FROM DIRECT CONVERSATION AND DETAILS SI 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2015 8 25 INTERACTION LOS ANGELES CA SI (PRORATE) PROVIDED BY DIVER. NO PHOTOS. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

TWO SMALL TORPEDO BUOYS TRAILED 40 FT BEHIND 

WHALE, BUOY COLORS ARE ORANGE, YELLOW, AND RED, 

LINE DESCRIBE AS BLUE SPECTRA 1/8 OR 1/4 INCH, 

RESIGHTED LATER WITH LINE THROUGH MOUTH WITH 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2015 8 27 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION SANTA BARBARA CA SI (PRORATE) 

FULL WRAP AROUND BODY; WHALE ROLLING AND 

BREACHING. GEAR CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. NO 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

WHALE TRAILING LINE AND A BUOY CLOSE TO BODY SEEN 

DURING CA DEP. OF FISH AND WILDLIFE OVERFLIGHT. 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY GEAR AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. SI 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2015 11 7 INTERACTION MARIN CA SI (PRORATE) PHOTOS REVIEWED BY J. CARRETTA. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC REPORTED SEEING A WHALE 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY WITH LINE AND A BUOY WRAPPED AROUND BODY. NO SI 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2015 11 21 INTERACTION SANTA BARBARA CA SI (PRORATE) PHOTOS. GEAR AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

RED/ORANGE BULLET SHAPED BUOY TRAILING BEHIND 

THE WHALE AT THE SURFACE. REPORT THAT WHALE 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY STUCK ON CRAB NET. NO PHOTOS. GEAR SI 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2015 11 27 INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT UNKNOWN. (PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE 

Stock or Area 

NA 

Year 

2016 

Month 

4 

Day 

28 

Interaction Type 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION 

County or Locale 

SAN FRANCISCO 

State 

CA 

Initial Injury 

Assessment 

SI (PRORATE) 

Comments 

WHALE SWIMMING NORTH WITH 2 BUOYS TRAILING, 

GEAR AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

L10 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

0.75 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Y 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

Y 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2016 5 13 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) 

WHALE INITIALLY SEEN DRAGGING A BLUE BUOY OFF 

JULIA PFEIFFER BURNS STATE PARK, TRAVELING NORTH 

WITH OTHER WHALES. DESCRIBED AS BIG BLUE PLASTIC 

BUOY STUCK TO WHALE'S SIDE. AMOUNT OF GEAR AND 

CONFIGURATION UNKNOWN. PHOTOS INCONCLUSIVE 

FOR SPECIES ID. PROBABLE SUBSEQUENT RESIGHTS IN 

MONTEREY BAY THE NEXT DAY, UNIDENTIFIED WHALE 

DESCRIBED AS DRAGGING BLUE OBJECT. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2016 5 15 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION SAN MATEO CA SI (PRORATE) 

NORTHBOUND WHALE TRAILING TWO CRAB BUOYS 

ABOUT 50-70 FT. BEHIND. 1 BUOY ORANGE AND THE 

OTHER SMALLER AND WHITE ABOUT 5 FEET FROM 

ORANGE BUOY. GEAR AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2016 5 23 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) 

UNKNOWN VESSEL REPORTED ENTANGLEMENT IN 'CRAB 

GEAR' TO USCG. GEAR AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION 

UNKNOWN. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2016 9 28 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION MARIN CA SI (PRORATE) 

WHALE NOT MOVING, WITH ASSOCIATED LINE AND 

ORANGE BUOY. IN SAME AREA AS 9/26/2016 HUMPBACK 

WHALE THAT WAS NOT MOVING AND TOWING 4 ORANGE 

POLYBALLS. AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION OF GEAR 

UNKNOWN. EVIDENCE ANIMAL IS ANCHORED. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2018 5 13 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION VENTURA CA SI (PRORATE) 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE SWIMMING NORTH JUST OUTSIDE 

SURF LINE TRAILING A STYROFOAM BUOY NEAR THE 

DORSAL FIN. GEAR TYPE, AMOUNT AND CONFIGURATION 

UNKNOWN. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2018 6 2 VESSEL STRIKE VENTURA CA SI (PRORATE) 

A CONTAINER VESSEL (HORIZON SPIRIT) STRUCK A WHALE 

APPROXIMATELY 12NM SW OF SAN NICOLAS ISLAND. 

VESSEL REDUCED SPEED AFTER IMPACT. WHALE WAS 

ESTIMATED AT 45 FT IN LENGTH. NO ADDITIONAL DETAILS. 

SERIOUS INJURY BASED ON SIZE OF VESSEL AND ASSUMED 

TRAVEL SPEED (>10 KTS) IN THIS VICINITY. SI L6A 1 N Y 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2018 8 20 

UNIDENTIFIED FISHERY 

INTERACTION CURRY OR SI (PRORATE) 

REPORT OF A WHALE TRAILING AN ORANGE BUOY FROM 

ITS MOUTH. GEAR CONFIGURATION AND AMOUNT 

UNKNOWN. NO PHOTOS OR ADDITIONAL DETAILS. 

SI 

(PRORATE) L10 0.75 Y Y 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE 

NA 

NA 

2018 

2018 

10 

10 

2 

2 

VESSEL STRIKE 

VESSEL STRIKE 

MONTEREY 

MONTEREY 

CA 

CA 

SI (PRORATE) 

SI (PRORATE) 

NEWS REPORT: A BREACHING WHALE CAUSED A 10-FOOTLONG BOAT TO CAPSIZE WITH SEVEN PEOPLE ONBOARD 

IN BREAKWATER COVE. NO DETAILS ON POTENTIAL INJURY 

TO WHALE. PRORATED SERIOUS INJURY UNDER CRITERION 

NEWS REPORT: OFF HOPKINS POINT, ACCORDING TO 

WITNESS MARGE BRIGADIER, A MAN WHO WAS BOATING 

WITH THE WOMAN SAID THEY WERE CRUISING THROUGH 

THE WATER WHEN THEY HIT A BUMP. "THEY HIT 

SOMETHING THAT HE THOUGHT COULD ONLY HAVE BEEN 

A WHALE. WOMAN WAS THROWN AGAINST A 20-FOOTLONG POWER BOAT'S GLASS WINDSHIELD AND SUFFERED 

MODERATE INJURIES TO HER HEAD AND ARM. NEWS 

VIDEO SHOWS BROKEN WINDSHIELD AND BLOOD. NO 

DETAILS ON POTENTIAL INJURY TO WHALE. PRORATED 

SERIOUS INJURY UNDER CRITERION L6B. 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

SI 

(PRORATE) 

L7B 

L6B 

0.14 

0.2 

N 

N 

Y 

Y 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2018 10 2 VESSEL STRIKE MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) 

NEWS REPORT: A BREACHING WHALE CAUSED A 10-FOOTLONG BOAT TO CAPSIZE WITH SEVEN PEOPLE ONBOARD 

IN BREAKWATER COVE. NO DETAILS ON POTENTIAL INJURY 

TO WHALE. PRORATED SERIOUS INJURY UNDER CRITERION 

SI 

(PRORATE) L7B 0.14 N Y 
Appendix 4. Records of human-related injury and mortality, 2014-2018.
 

Serious Serious 

Species Stock or Area Year Month Day Interaction Type County or Locale State 

Initial Injury 

Assessment Comments 

NEWS REPORT: OFF HOPKINS POINT, ACCORDING TO 

WITNESS MARGE BRIGADIER, A MAN WHO WAS BOATING 

WITH THE WOMAN SAID THEY WERE CRUISING THROUGH 

Final Injury 

Assessment 

Injury 

Criteria 

Code 

Injury 

Proration 

Value 

Count 

Against 

LOF 

Count 

Against 

PBR 

THE WATER WHEN THEY HIT A BUMP. "THEY HIT 

SOMETHING THAT HE THOUGHT COULD ONLY HAVE BEEN 

A WHALE. WOMAN WAS THROWN AGAINST A 20-FOOTLONG POWER BOAT'S GLASS WINDSHIELD AND SUFFERED 

MODERATE INJURIES TO HER HEAD AND ARM. NEWS 

VIDEO SHOWS BROKEN WINDSHIELD AND BLOOD. NO 

DETAILS ON POTENTIAL INJURY TO WHALE. PRORATED SI 

UNIDENTIFIED WHALE NA 2018 10 2 VESSEL STRIKE MONTEREY CA SI (PRORATE) SERIOUS INJURY UNDER CRITERION L6B. (PRORATE) L6B 0.2 N Y