Getting caught in fishing gear is the leading threat to whales, dolphins and other marine mammals. In fact, just several weeks ago NOAAFisheries released data that showed West coast whale entanglements are at a six-year high. This is unacceptable. Ropes and traps can leave wildlife with infected wounds and permanent damage to their bones and muscles. Sometimes this gear prevents animals from resurfacing, effectively drowning them. Thankfully, pop-up fishing gear is a promising solution that will protect wildlife from entanglement by limiting the amount of time vertical lines stay in the water — making it safer for marine life. It's time for widespread adoption of this safer alternative. Join us in urging NOAA to support the widespread adoption of pop-up fishing gear. #cetaceans #marinemammals #savethewhales #wildlifeconservation #oceanconservation #environmentalconservation